AARG Upcoming Book Discussions

The James Baldwin classic, The Fire Next Time, is the book to be discussed at the September 15, at 7 p.m., Anti-Racist Reading Group meeting. The book consists of two essays that were written in the 1960s, during a time of segregation between white and Black Americans. It explores how race, identity, and power helped Baldwin shape his perspective on race. Mary Anna Newman will lead the discussion.

The Fire This Time, by Jesmyn Ward will be the book for discussion on November 17, at 7 p.m. It is an anthology of essays and poetry in the format used by Baldwin. It was inspired by the killing of unarmed teenager Trevon Martin in 2012. While seeking to understand and deal with her own anger, the author found solace in James Baldwin’s works, especially, The Fire Next Time. It led her to compile an anthology of accomplished authors of the time, to reflect on the racial landscape after the first decade of the twenty first century