University of Virginia Library

'Interior Aspects'

Mr. Davis traced the history of black
communications, virtually disregarding
modern television and motion pictures,
and concentrating on "interior aspects"
of communication and resulting
relationships.

The author of three plays, a former
Broadway performer, and co-author and
director of the film, "Cotton Comes to
Harlem", Mr. Davis thinks of himself
more as a writer than an actor.

He is a Black Nationalist and advocate
of racial equality, and believes that
humor is the most effective means of
change.

The binding tie and means of
communication which blacks have lost,
both literally and symbolically, he said, is
the drum.

"Africa was inhabited by many
separate tribes with different languages
and dialects," Mr. Davis stated, "and so a
means of communication without talking
was needed."