James Baldwin Debates William F. Buckley (1965)

“Historic debate between James Baldwin v. William F. Buckley Jr. at Cambridge University on the question: “Is the American Dream at the expense of the American Negro?” – The Riverbends Channel

James Baldwin was one of the most brilliant minds of our time. He was unapologetic about his blackness and his sexuality. Rightfully so, as there was nothing he could (or should) have done to change either.

I’ve been thinking about writing a piece on racism for quite a while now. But so much has already been said on the subject by people far better qualified than myself. One of whom is the incredibly brilliant James Baldwin.

Note: This video runs about an hour. It’s worth your attention, if for no other reason than to get a glimpse of American history through the eyes of non-US citizens. So if you don’t have the time to watch it now please bookmark it and save it for a future time when you can.

Thanks.

• This post first appeared 1 May 2014 on ADignorantium.Tumblr.com

James Baldwin: excerpts from the KQED documentary “Take This Hammer”

Yes, we have come a long way. A very long way. But after watching the documentary, you might be surprised at how much has remained the same.

Just because we elected a Black President doesn’t mean we are a “Post Racist” America.

The following excerpts are from “James Baldwin: Who Is The N*gger”  by John Aravosis which appeared on AmericaBlog.com (7/15/2013)

“What you say about somebody else, anybody else, reveals you. What I think of you as being.  It’s dictated by my own necessity, my own psychology, my own fears and desires. I’m not describing you when I talk about you, I’m describing me.”

Some remarkable dialogue from “Take This Hammer” which illustrates Baldwin’s remarkable faith in man.

Young African-American kid: There ain’t gonna be no negro president of this country.

Baldwin: There will never be a negro president of this country. Why do you say that?

Kid: We can’t get jobs, how we gonna be a president?

Baldwin: Exactly. But, I want you to think about this. There will be a negro president of this country. But it will not be the country that we are sitting in now.

James Baldwin Take This Hammer Part 1

James Baldwin Take This Hammer Part 2

James Baldwin Take This Hammer Part 3