Meaning: The quote by Angela Davis, a prominent activist and scholar, addresses the contemporary issues faced by black people and other people of color in society. In her statement, Davis points out the increasing numbers of individuals from these communities who are being marginalized and forced into alternative economies or incarcerated. This observation sheds light on systemic injustices and discrimination that persist in modern society, reflecting the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice.

Angela Davis is a highly influential figure in the civil rights movement, known for her work in addressing issues of race, class, and gender. Her activism and scholarship have focused on challenging the structures of oppression and advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. In the quote, Davis highlights the intersectionality of race, labor, and incarceration, drawing attention to the interconnected nature of these social issues.

The first part of the quote, "That's true but I think the contemporary problem that we are facing increasing numbers of black people and other people of color being thrown into a status that involves work in alternative economies," addresses the economic challenges faced by black and other people of color. Davis points to the systemic barriers that limit their opportunities in traditional labor markets, leading to their involvement in alternative economies. This could refer to informal or underground economies where individuals may be forced to seek employment due to limited access to formal job opportunities. The quote suggests that a significant number of black and other people of color are being pushed into these alternative economic spaces, reflecting the economic marginalization and lack of equal opportunities they face.

The second part of the quote, "and increasing numbers of people who are incarcerated," draws attention to the disproportionate rates of incarceration among black and other people of color. Davis's observation aligns with well-documented disparities in the criminal justice system, where individuals from these communities are overrepresented in prisons and face harsher sentencing compared to their white counterparts. The quote reflects the systemic biases and structural inequalities that contribute to the mass incarceration of black and other people of color, highlighting the urgent need for criminal justice reform and addressing systemic racism within the legal system.

Overall, Angela Davis's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by black and other people of color in contemporary society. It underscores the need for addressing systemic inequalities, dismantling barriers to economic opportunities, and reforming the criminal justice system to ensure fair treatment and equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Davis's words continue to resonate as a call to action for social change and the pursuit of justice for marginalized communities.