In "The Fire This Time," Jesmyn Ward crafts a potent and timely homage to James Baldwin's seminal exploration of race in America, invoking the spirit of his 1963 classic "The Fire Next Time" to anchor a new millennium's reckoning with enduring racial disparities and injustices. Through a meticulously curated anthology of essays, poems, and memoirs, Ward brings together some of the most influential and innovative voices of our era to dissect, discuss, and dream about race in the United States. Each piece, whether freshly penned for this collection or selected for its enduring relevance, serves as a beacon, guiding readers through the labyrinth of America's racial landscape — from the shadowed valleys of its oppressive past to the precarious terrain of its present, and towards the hopeful horizons of its future. Divided into three compelling sections, "The Fire This Time" not only reflects on the dark chapters of American history but also grapples with the complex realities of our current societal predicaments and envisages a world where racial justice prevails. With contributions that range from introspective memoirs to incisive essays and poignant poems, the collection serves as both a mirror and a map, reflecting the multifaceted nature of race in America and charting a course towards a more equitable society. Ward, with her characteristic insight and empathy, ensures that Baldwin’s warning of the "fire next time" is not just remembered but reckoned with, making this anthology a crucial conversation starter for navigating the fraught but necessary dialogues on race in America today.