"Cornel West, with distinguished scholar Christa Buschendorf, provides a fresh perspective on six revolutionary African American leaders: Frederick Douglass, W. E. B. Du Bois, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Baker, Malcolm X, and Ida Wells-Barnett. West examines the impact of these men and women on their own eras and across the decades. He not only rediscovers the integrity and commitment within these passionate advocates but also their fault lines." -- Provided by publisher.

Introduction: Why we need to talk about Black Prophetic Fire -- It's a Beautiful Thing to be on Fire : Frederick Douglass -- The Black Flame : W.E.B. Du Bois -- Moral Fire : Martin Luther King Jr. -- The Heat of Democratic Existentialism : Ella Baker -- Revolutionary Fire : Malcolm X -- Prophetic Fire : Ida B. Wells -- Conclusion: Last words on the Black Prophetic Tradition in the Age of Obama.