They met together in a Harlem apartment. Zora Neale Hurston was there. Langston Hughes, too – and many more. Why were these artists gathered? They were about to create something special – and incredibly controversial.
It was 1926, and these brilliant artists were NOT satisfied with the current culture. They were trapped by upper middle class Black people’s drive to be seen as “respectable” to whites. But they refused to be docile for white people any longer!
A magazine could express their new, turn of the century ideas. Everyone would contribute – props, poems, pictures. They were going to talk openly – no matter what the “respectable” people thought – about sexuality, sex work, interracial relationships, and their experience with racial prejudice.
They called it “Fire!!”
Unfortunately, they were too ahead of their time. Their nuanced take of their lives were frowned upon by the elite Black circles. Especially in Harlem, where there was a desire to maintain a polished reputation.
Their magazine headquarters was burned down soon after their publication! They only printed one issue.
Today, Black people have the liberty to express all facets of ourselves and our lives. We owe a lot to these trailblazers – who spoke the truth and in doing so gave us the freedom to do so as well.