The Fire This Time (anthology)

The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks About Race is a 2016 anthology of essays edited by Jesmyn Ward. The book's title is a reference to James Baldwin's seminal 1963 work, The Fire Next Time. However, while Baldwin's book focused on the racial injustices and tensions of his time, The Fire This Time features a collection of contemporary essays by a diverse group of Black writers reflecting on race in America in the 21st century.

The anthology explores a wide range of topics related to race, including:

• Police brutality and mass incarceration: Many essays address the disproportionate targeting and imprisonment of Black individuals within the American criminal justice system.
• Black identity and experience: The book delves into the multifaceted nature of Black identity in the US, encompassing various cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences.
• Intersectionality: Essays examine the interplay of race with other forms of social and political oppression, such as gender, class, and sexuality.
• The legacy of slavery and Jim Crow: The lasting impact of historical racial oppression on contemporary society is explored through personal narratives and critical analysis.
• Hope and resistance: Despite confronting difficult realities, the anthology also highlights acts of resistance, resilience, and the pursuit of social justice.

The essays in The Fire This Time are notable for their diverse voices and perspectives. The contributors represent a broad spectrum of ages, genders, and backgrounds within the Black community. This creates a rich tapestry of narratives that collectively offer a powerful and multifaceted understanding of race in America. The anthology has garnered significant critical acclaim for its insightful and emotionally resonant exploration of a complex and vital subject. It is widely considered an important contribution to contemporary discussions surrounding race and social justice.