Begin Again

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James Baldwin became disillusioned by the Civil Rights movement's failure to compel America to confront its racial lies. In today's context, particularly during the Trump era, Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. reflects on Baldwin's struggle and its relevance. "Not everything is lost. Responsibility cannot be lost, it can only be abdicated," Baldwin asserted, emphasizing the importance of refusing to abdicate responsibility and starting anew. Glaude argues that we now live in an "after times" period, where the promise of movements like Black Lives Matter has been challenged by the election of a racist president, echoing Baldwin's experiences after the Civil Rights movement. Baldwin faced a similar disillusionment following the assassinations of key figures like Medgar Evers and Martin Luther King, Jr. Between 1963 and 1972, Baldwin evolved into a more politically engaged writer, a transformation that came with significant personal and professional costs. Yet, this journey instilled in him a renewed sense of purpose to push forward despite despair. Glaude draws on Baldwin's experiences to offer hope and guidance for navigating our current era of shattered promises and racial tensions. Blending biography, history, memoir, and analysis, Glaude's work serves as a profound exploration of race, trauma, and memory, urging us to reflect on our roles in shaping a new America.