POV Season 18 Episode 5 The Fire Next Time

In season 18, episode 5 of POV, titled "The Fire Next Time," the focus is on the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man who died from injuries sustained while in police custody in Baltimore in 2015. The episode takes a closer look at the roots of the unrest that followed Gray's death and the ongoing struggles of residents of the city's poorest neighborhoods.

Through the eyes of community leaders, activists, and everyday citizens, the episode explores the social and economic conditions that have contributed to the cycles of poverty, violence, and mistrust between law enforcement and communities of color in Baltimore. We see how the protests and riots that erupted in the wake of Gray's death were both a response to police violence and a broader expression of frustration with the lack of opportunities and resources available to many of the city's residents.

One of the key figures in the episode is Tariq Toure, an activist and poet who grew up in West Baltimore. Toure's poetry captures the anger and sorrow of those who have been marginalized by systemic racism and economic inequality. He is also an organizer of the Baltimore Ceasefire movement, which seeks to build community-based solutions to violence and crime.

We also hear from other activists and community leaders, including Makayla Gilliam-Price, who founded City Bloc, a youth-led organization advocating for police reform and racial justice; and Kwame Rose, a community organizer who gained national attention for challenging Fox News reporter Geraldo Rivera during a live broadcast in 2015.

Ultimately, "The Fire Next Time" is a sobering reminder of the deep-seated injustices and inequalities that continue to plague our society. But it is also a testament to the resilience and determination of those who are fighting for change. As Toure says in the episode, "We want to create a world where everybody can live in peace and dignity, where people aren't dying and struggling just to make it through the day."