New Bedford Poet Erik Andrade Published in Acclaimed Anthology Black Fire This Time Vol. 2

Local poet and cultural organizer Erik Andrade has been honored with the publication of two original poems in Black Fire This Time Vol. 2, a groundbreaking anthology celebrating the legacy and future of the Black Arts Movement. The anthology, which features over 75 poets, dramatists, and writers, bridges generations with its focus on the ongoing theme of "Black is Beautiful, Black is Powerful, Black is Home." This collection includes works from literary giants such as Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Everett Hoagland, Jayne Cortez, June Jordan, and Larry Neal.

In addition to this notable publication, Andrade has been invited to join a panel on "The New Black Arts Movement" at the prestigious Furious Flower Poetry Conference, an event held once every ten years to celebrate and preserve Black poetic tradition and innovation. The conference is considered one of the most important gatherings of Black poets and scholars in the world, and Andrade’s participation underscores his growing influence in contemporary Black literature.

Black Fire This Time Vol. 2 is part of a series hailed as “an unprecedented collection of the best in writing by Black writers.” Featured writers in the series include luminaries such as Sonia Sanchez, Ishmael Reed, Amiri Baraka, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, and 2023 American Book Award winner Everett Hoagland, along with over 100 other poets, dramatists, and fiction writers from across the country. Volume 2 is being distributed by the University of Mississippi Press, ensuring its reach to readers and scholars alike.

Andrade’s contributions to the anthology include the poem “Where Do We Go?”, written in response to public critiques from leadership at downtown New Bedford non-profit arts and culture organizations. The poem addresses the consequences of gentrification, warning of the displacement of African, Native, and other marginalized and oppressed communities in his hometown due to creative placemaking, art tourism, and the creation of cultural districts. The book also features the poem “Black Magic,” inspired by a request from legendary New Bedford Hip Hop artist Siah Law to accompany his upcoming song “Black Boy Magic.”

“It’s an honor to be published in this anthology alongside my mentor, Everett Hoagland, New Bedford’s first Poet Laureate, as well as my friends Ashley Rose and Vanessa Silva,” said Andrade. “This anthology is more than just a collection of voices—it’s a continuum of thought, emotion, and culture, capturing the beauty, pain, and triumph of the Black experience. I’m incredibly honored to have my work included alongside such legends, and I hope it inspires others to live their life on purpose.”

Critics have hailed Black Fire This Time Vol. 2 as a powerful tribute to the Black Arts Movement. According to CounterPunch, “This is a historical artifact—an essential artistic document, encapsulating the spirit of something impossible to encapsulate; the voices of Black writers from the mid-20th century to the current day.”

The anthology also features significant works from figures like Judy Juanita, a pioneer of Black Studies, and the seminal play We Own the Night by Black Arts Movement legend Jimmy Garrett. With an introduction by Mona Lisa Saloy and editing by Derrick Harriell, the volume is a testament to the continued relevance of Black literature.

In addition to his literary contributions, Andrade’s invitation to the Furious Flower Poetry Conference marks a major milestone in his career. Held at James Madison University, this event attracts some of the foremost voices in Black poetry, with past participants including luminaries such as Amiri Baraka, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, and Everett Hoagland. Andrade was invited by award-winning publisher Heather Buchanan, owner of Aquarius Press/Willow Books, which publishes many of the nation’s top poets and writers of color, to join the panel “The New Black Arts Movement.” This panel will explore the evolution of the Black Arts Movement and how contemporary Black writers, poets, and artists continue to shape cultural discourse and advance the movement’s legacy. Erik will also join Boston poet and transformative justice educator Ashley Rose during her performance of “Hella Black.”

About Furious Flower Poetry Conference
The Furious Flower Poetry Conference, held every decade at James Madison University, is the longest-running and most comprehensive academic conference devoted to African American poetry. Its mission is to highlight the work of Black poets and preserve the traditions of African American literature.

About Black Fire This Time Vol. 2
Published by Willow Books, Black Fire This Time Vol. 2 continues the legacy of the Black Arts Movement, showcasing works from multiple generations of Black writers. The anthology is distributed by the University of Mississippi Press.