Catlett Free Angela image multiple languages

Elizabeth Catlett's "Free Angela Davis" flyer (c. 1970) recalls her deep historical ties with the Taller de Gráfica Popular (TGP), a famous artist collective and workshop in Mexico City. Considered one of the most consequential “leftist” printmaking collectives of its time, the TGP’s graphic arts spoke to political causes, anti-fascist, and social issues. The TGP also produced a series of prints on historical black figures such as Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, and Angela Davis.

This image is one of many examples of Elizabeth Catlett joining activists in the United States and abroad in solidarity to promote equity and social justice causes. Here Catlett brings awareness to one of the FBI most famous "most wanted" individuals. Angela Davis, alleged to have purchased the guns that were used in a 1970 shoot out at a California courthouse which resulted in the death of a judge and two defendants on trial, was charged with murder, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy.

She went into hiding. Angela spent more than a year in jail after her capture. Angry that Angela was held without bail, Catlett, joined activists across the globe in solidarity to "Free Angela Davis and All Political Prisoners."