Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

In his book Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own, Eddie S. Glaude Jr. uses the life and writing of civil rights icon James Baldwin to offer insight into the current state of American politics. Glaude examines Baldwin’s work in light of the modern political and cultural context, arguing that Baldwin’s teachings have much to offer to American society if we are willing to admit the damaging impact of our current policies.

Glaude starts the book by noting that when he was informed of his grandmother’s death, he returned to his home in Alabama to attend her memorial service. In her will, his grandmother left him a copy of Baldwin’s Collected Essays and Glaude began to re-examine Baldwin’s work in order to gain insight into the current state of race relations in America.

Glaude contends that many of Baldwin’s writings are still relevant to contemporary life. He asserts that Baldwin had an exceptional ability to accurately express the lived realities of African Americans in a society influenced by the history of slavery and segregation. Moreover, Glaude chronicles Baldwin’s personal journey of dealing with his complex identity as a black gay man who, in his own words, was a “stray dog” who could offer a powerful critique of American society.

Glaude argues that Baldwin understood the implications of American race relations better than most and that his writings articulated the ills of society in ways that still hold relevance today. Glaude uses Baldwin’s works to argue that the systemic issues of racism and white supremacy that existed in America when Baldwin was alive in the 1960s are still very much a part of the American identity today.

Glaude offers powerful critiques of the current state of American politics and how it affects people of color and other marginalized people in society. He notes that some of the major political issues of the past still remain, and suggests that society is far from any meaningful progress. He calls upon readers to account for the current situation and recognize that the means of achieving racial justice are far more complex than we often assume.

Glaude concludes the book by arguing that Baldwin’s work can serve as a powerful beacon of hope in our current political climate. He implores readers to consider the potential of Baldwin’s teachings and to use it to stand in solidarity with those striving for societal justice and move society forward.

Overall, Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own is a powerful and thought-provoking examination of Baldwin’s works and its relevance to modern America. Glaude’s passionate and provocative writing furthers the power of Baldwin’s teachings for a new generation. This book offers insight into the current state of race relations in America, and offers an opportunity to understand how Baldwin’s life and teachings can be an effective tool to move society forward.