Angela Davis draws crowds to UNAM for talk on abolition and feminism

Enthusiasm for American philosopher and activist Angela Davis's first visit to Mexico has led to long queues forming hours before her scheduled talk at the National Autonomous University (UNAM).

By 11 a.m., dozens of people were already waiting outside the Miguel Covarrubias Hall at the University Cultural Center, where Davis was set to speak at 6 p.m. as part of the International University Book Fair (Filuni).

Some attendees, like Mirna Estrella Vega from the Institute of Higher Secondary Education, arrived as early as 6 a.m. Vega described Davis as a key figure in feminist struggles, particularly relevant given the rise of fascism globally. "I am looking for motivation for hope and mobilization," she stated.

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I consider her one of the most relevant references for the feminist struggle. At this moment, hearing her word I think is very important, in terms of the advance of fascism at a global level, in that sense I come looking for those motivations for hope and mobilization.

Ángeles, a master's student in gender studies, echoed this sentiment, seeking insights into gender issues and strategies for continuing feminist activism amidst new forms of violence, including online harassment. The talk, titled “Abolition, Feminism, Now!”, is a collaboration with Gina Dent and Amneris Chaparro Martínez.

For those who could not secure a spot or attend in person, the event is being broadcast live in other halls within the University Cultural Center, on TVUNAM, and via live streams on YouTube, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts of Cultura UNAM.

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I am looking for some keys in terms of gender and how we can continue to transmit the importance of continuing to fight and staying firm within feminisms and what we can do in the face of new forms of violence, such as 'funar' on social media.