Wanted to Pay Angela Davis’ Bail
Angela Davis was a communist activist who got arrested in 1970 for allegedly buying guns that were used in a California courthouse shoot out. Aretha defended Davis and offered to pay her bail. “Angela Davis must go free,” Franklin said. “Black people will be free, I’ve been locked up [for disturbing the peace in Detroit], and I know you got to disturb the peace when you can’t get no peace. Jail is hell to be in.”
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She continued on, explaining, “I’m going to see her free if there is any justice in our courts, not because I believe in communism, but because she’s a black woman and she wants freedom for black people. I have the money; I got it from black people – they’ve made me financially able to have it – and I want to use it in ways that will help out people.” Davis was ultimately released. A local dairy farmer posted her bail for $102,500, and she was acquitted of all charges.