On 3/28 and 3/29 Dr. Eddie O'Byrn had the incredible opportunity to be a part of a critical theory symposium on the philosophy, theory, and praxis of Angela Davis. The symposium was held at Penn State, only five speakers were invited, Davis herself gave the introductory keynote, she was present on Saturday for each speaker, responded to each speaker at the end, and attended a dinner with the participants!
All the papers for the symposium are slated to be published (date TBD) in either a journal or small book. Dr. O'Byrn stated, "having written on Davis for my dissertation work, this was a highlight for my life and academic career thus far! It felt very humbling, and it was an honor to speak candidly with such an important figure in our history." He went on to express the following sentiments, "last, my well received talk could not have been possible without the support of our department. After joining in FA 22’, I have felt empowered to embrace Black philosophy in a way that I have not felt supported before."