Past PHS LIVE: The Angela Davis Legal Defense Fund 50 Years On

On September 16, 2021, PHS Records Archivist David Staniunas was joined by Rev. J. Oscar McCloud and Rev. Dr. Gene Turner for a discussion about the UPCUSA and the Angela Davis Legal Defense Fund.

In 1970, the UPCUSA—a predecessor denomination of the PC(USA)—contributed $10,000 to the legal defense of Angela Yvonne Davis. Facing blowback and seeking tranquility, twenty Black Presbyterian ministers contributed $10,000 back to the Church. Hear from two witnesses moment: Oscar McCloud, at the time staff of the Commission on Religion and Race; and Gene Turner, at the time executive of the Synod of the Golden Gate by watching the session below. 

Click the video below to watch the session.

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