Baldwin 2.0

The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward  (Ed.) 
Scribner, June20, 2017

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What does it mean to be black in America? The Fire This Time offers us a contemporary glimpse into that reality and the ways the answers have both persisted and changed since James Baldwin’s galvanizing call. This anthology of powerful essays and poems offers a way to start conversations about race through the lens of human experience. Perhaps more simply, the writings are a way to learn more for ourselves about the painful realities of racial injustice in our country. Jesmyn Ward skillfully balances calls for urgent action, poignant lyricism, and even comedic commentary, all in an effort to express difficult truths. Some of the reflections read like modern primary source documents complete with photos, including one set of murals entitled "Know Your Rights!" offering advice on how to avoid and document harassment or misconduct by law enforcement. The very idea that this advice is still necessary helps the reader appreciate Ward’s goal: to give voice to the harsh human realities of a new generation still grappling with the dangers of a system plagued by racism. This work is rich reading for the seasoned social justice advocate as well as those educators struggling to know where to begin their learning.