The first-ever collection of essays on the acclaimed HBO series The Wire television series written exclusively by Black authors.

"An excellent collection of essays about a groundbreaking television series, the Wire, is on the book reader’s for those looking for a trip down recent memory lane and a chat on several corners in the form of essays." --Ralph E. Moore Jr., Afro News

Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, Wendell Pierce, Michael K. Williams -- first known as Stringer Bell, Wallace, Bunk, and Omar -- are just a few of the fruits of The Wire we enjoy today. Since its June 2, 2002, premiere, The Wire has been a slow burn, picking up steam each and every year since. As critics continue to grapple with the show and its enduring impact, some voices and perspectives have still yet to be heard. Cracking The Wire During Black Lives Matter remedies this oversight. This provocative exploration of HBO’s iconic show touches on issues of not just race, but also class, power, gender dynamics, police brutality, addiction, sexuality, and even representations of Baltimore itself through a Black Lives Matter lens for some, but Black reality for so many others. Regardless of perspective, Cracking The Wire During Black Lives Matter is an engaging and compelling conversation about one of the most important shows in television history.

Essays by Odell Hall, Sheree Renee Thomas, Ed Adams, Michael A. Gonzales, Julia Chance, Ericka Blount Danois, Mekeisha Madden Toby, Danian Darrell Jerry, Seve Chambers, Adom M. Cooper, Scott Wilson, and Ronda Racha Penrice.