If They Come in the Morning: Voices of Resistance

If They Come in the Morning is a collection of essays, letters, and documents compiled while Angela Davis was imprisoned in 1970-71. The book features writings from Davis herself, along with contributions from other activists, scholars, and prisoners during this period. The work documents Davis's arrest, imprisonment, and legal battle through firsthand accounts and correspondence. Prison conditions, systemic racism, and the criminal justice system are examined through the perspectives of multiple writers and activists connected to Davis's case. Letters between Davis and fellow prisoners, including George Jackson and the Soledad Brothers, form a significant portion of the text. Legal documents, newspaper articles, and public statements are interwoven with personal reflections and political analysis. The book stands as a historical record of resistance movements and prison abolition advocacy in the United States. Through its multiple voices and formats, the work presents themes of solidarity, political organizing, and the intersections between race, class, and incarceration.

Readers describe this as a raw, firsthand account of prison activism and the legal system in the 1970s. Many note the book's detailed documentation of Davis's legal defense and letters from political prisoners. Readers appreciate: - The inclusion of multiple activist voices and perspectives - Clear explanations of legal processes and prison conditions - Historical documents and letters that provide context - Connections between past and present prison issues Common criticisms: - Dense legal terminology can be difficult to follow - Some sections feel dated or require additional historical context - Writing style varies significantly between contributors Ratings: Goodreads: 4.35/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (90+ ratings) Several readers note the book works best as a companion to other texts about Davis and prison abolition. One reviewer stated: "The legal documents and letters paint a complete picture of what political prisoners faced, beyond just Davis's story."

Are Prisons Obsolete? by Angela Y. Davis A critique of the prison industrial complex through historical analysis and arguments for abolition.

Blood in My Eye by George Jackson Prison writings examine revolutionary theory, race relations, and resistance from inside San Quentin State Prison.

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander An examination of mass incarceration as a system of racial control in the United States.

Soledad Brother by George Jackson Letters written from prison document the development of a revolutionary consciousness and critique of the American justice system.

Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur A first-hand account of political activism, imprisonment, and resistance during the Black liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

📚 Angela Davis wrote much of this book while incarcerated in 1970-71, compiling letters, essays, and interviews from behind bars. 🗣️ The book's title comes from an open letter written by James Baldwin to Davis, which states "if they take you in the morning, they will be coming for us that night." ⚖️ The collection includes contributions from other political prisoners and activists, including Ruchell Magee, the longest-held political prisoner in U.S. history, who spent over 50 years in prison. ✊ The book was one of the first major works to examine the connection between the prison industrial complex and systemic racism, helping establish Davis as a leading prison abolitionist. 📖 The publication rallied support for Davis's own legal defense, contributing to her eventual acquittal in 1972 after spending 16 months in jail on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.