Finding Purpose Through Revolution

By Ama Amoafo-Yeboah ‘15

On Monday, February 23, 2015 my purpose in life was confirmed. That day, Dr. Angela Davis came to USC for a speaking engagement.

All my life, I never thought of myself as an activist and I never imagined myself speaking out and taking action on the issues that I stand up for today. When I was younger I thought that over time everything would get better and that someone would make a change like the individuals that fought during the Civil Rights Movement.

Back then, I knew when things made me uncomfortable and I just wanted to get away from them. There were times that I felt discriminated against in my high school career and I knew that I would be subject to the same discrimination if I attended USC because I would be going to school with many of the same people.

So, my solution was to get away, to go to a Historically Black University (HBCU) so that I could be around people that understood me and wouldn’t discriminate against me.

Clearly, that is not what I did.

I came to USC, and as predicted, I was subject to racial discrimination that was even worse than what I experienced in high school. In my time here at USC I have been uncomfortable beyond measure and I have done my best to make necessary changes so that individuals that come after me are not subject to the same negative experiences because of their race. Working on these initiatives has been extremely difficult; it has been mentally, physically, and emotionally draining.

Until Monday, February 23rd I thought there was a chance that I was wasting my time fighting for what was right, but on that day my purpose was confirmed. Despite all of the emotions and backlash that have come with the changes that I have attempted to make on this campus, I managed to persevere. I challenged authority and sought out changes in outdated systems and structures. Above all, I stood up for what I believed in.

Hearing Dr. Davis speak and share what she wants her legacy to be was extremely inspirational. I was reassured that my discomfort was a signal that there was work to be done and that I was growing. Hearing Dr. Davis speak showed me that it’s okay to go against the status quo and that we all have to stand up for what we believe in and fight for justice because no one else will do it for us.

I could not have asked for a better time for Dr. Davis to speak at USC. She provided me with more motivation to continue fighting for justice and to continue challenging authority and the status quo.