Summary Of Part Four Of Angela Davis

Part Four of Angela Davis: An Autobiography opens with a preface written by Henry Dumas, “fire eaters from the sun we shall lay the high dome to siege cover scream with holy wings, in those days we shall be terrible” (Dumas 147). As the fourth part of Angela Davis’ book is titled “Flames,” this preface relates to this part in many ways. Flames themselves start from a spark, such as a small movement or resistance that continues to burn and add others to the fuel until it becomes a flame. Additionally, the idea that the revolution and rebellion coming from the forces Davis supports is seen as terrible when it seems to be derived from a good and righteous purpose. Davis recounts earlier in the part that any difference cannot be made by emotional

It is from this realization that Davis’ movement changes from small, short fires to sparks that build into an undying, ever-burning flame that has to be noticed. As Davis begins to make her movements more about the little sparks, she finds herself in contention with other groups, “who felt that the only most drastic measure- elimination of all white people- would give Black people the opportunity to live unhampered by racism” (Davis 159). However, as Davis’ movements changed from emotionally fueled escapades and retaliation, she notes, “Like new alchemists, we lit the fire and trusted the heat to refine our recipe for victory” (Davis 170). The actions Davis supports to push for liberation or justice for a small group or even just one wronged Black person allow them to make a difference and refine their strategy. Flames can be all-consuming, or they can be refined, allowing them to shape and create new items and make the world a better place. While the opposition will attempt to make the fiery nature of the Black liberation movement seem to be uncontrolled and dangerous, they are truly holy warriors using their flames to refine and change the environment around