The Role of Race and Justice in Attica Locke’s Black Water Rising (2010)

Expanding the Roles:
Attica Locke’s Black Water Rising is deeply invested in the themes of race, justice, and identity. Set against the backdrop of a racially divided Houston during the 1980s, the novel brings to light the intricacies of racial tensions, political engagement, and personal responsibility. As literature students, understanding the role race plays in shaping characters and plot can deepen one’s appreciation for how literature reflects and critiques society.

• Race and Systemic Injustice:
  Locke’s novel emphasizes the impact of systemic racism, especially in the justice system. Students can analyze how the novel uses Jay Porter’s character to explore the challenges of navigating a world where racial bias shapes both personal experiences and professional interactions. The novel’s portrayal of the law also offers an opportunity to study how literature critiques institutions that uphold racial inequities.

• Race and Personal Identity:
  Jay Porter’s complex relationship with his racial identity is crucial to the narrative. As a literature student, exploring how Locke addresses racial identity in the face of personal and political obstacles offers a rich perspective on how characters can be shaped by the broader socio-political forces around them.

What We Learn:
Black Water Rising serves as an important text for literature students who wish to understand how race and social justice intersect in contemporary fiction. Locke’s nuanced exploration of systemic injustice, race, and personal identity offers valuable lessons in writing that seeks to address real-world issues through the lens of fictional characters.