Dr. Cornel West joined us at Harvard Divinity School to discuss James Baldwin's legacy. Tune into our full Baldwin w/ Dr. West, Raoul Peck, Teju Cole and Ed Pavlic on our site: radioopensource.org/return-pro...
The only reason it is, is because we as people (all people) don't want to know we are wrong. We don't want to hear that our beliefs, our education, our actions are wrong.
Question why don't native Americans like black American even though before you answer a lot of us that are here now are not from Africa per say we're from this native land. Just wanted to know brother.
@@WordsFromTheHam as a black american i cant answer this, but we do need to unite. descendents of slaves and natives are the only rightful owners of this land, i think we deserve reservations also
As a Native American man I can see the wisdom in Balwin’s words and it’s easy to relate them to the current Native American experience. He was amazing.
it continues to be odd reading comments where people pronounce their race/ethnicity/gender. still wondering the significance. why is this necessary? do you understand how by doing this you legitimized the sheer ABSURDITY of racial classifications and uphold supremacy?
Or LIVING and SURVIVING first hand what he speaks of. You don't need to write a book to understand your own life. His writings were meant to wake up and teach White people. We already KNOW!!!!
@@gjcentralradio8813 Its not hard to find unapologetic and shameless racists online,in fact i would say they are everywhere.I repeatedly send them that video where Baldwin explains that he isnt their Negro and that it is something in THEM that needs him to be their Negro..but it changes nothing,they would rather lapse into irrationalism than give up their hatred.
He was. Loving and wonderful family, all of them exceptional and talented, too. His estate is in good shape and his name will ring out forever because he told the truth and he showed undying love for Black people not shame. He dared everything fir the young people. He took responsibility. Called it. Named it. Fire right now!
And then West goes on to give the obligatory "status quo" bashing of Trump from his comfy chair, refusing to speak the truth. How anti-intellectual can you get? How did Bernie do working on Biden's policy platform task force? There's some status quo for you. Dems were never going to let Bernie get the nomination, just like Republicans were never going to let Ron Paul through, and the big revolutionary fraud Bernie never really fought for any of his ideas. Two-time sellout.
It's impossible to find an intellectual with the humility of West. He never ever accepts credit or praise without returning it in kind. A brilliant spirit.
@@Reality4Peace West, as an intellectual, and a man fully versed in America's racial history, should have tempered his criticism. He did not. Obama could do no more, given the structural racial and political realities of America, than be America's first black president. West, more than any black, public intellectual, should have known this. His attack on Obama therefore rings empty of humility.
“Systemic racism” is still an uncomfortable term to many people, rather than a serious problem to be dealt with. We need a massive paradigm shift, as well as our government to take responsibility for what it has propagated and destroyed in black communities.
@@fredpearson5204 You should probably read into redlining and the targeted dismantling of black wealth (equity and property ownership) during Reconstruction. Andrew Johnson had a lot to say after the 13th amendment passed as well, especially with how the South was rebuilt or rather just left in its own racial turmoil with former slaves and slave owners. The effects of all of this are still felt by people today, just due to how black people have been forcibly kept out and denied property ownership, economic mobility, and wealth building for so long, specifically by the U.S. government. Also yeah, this was kind of the point. The word "systemic" offended you more than the problem itself. Tone policing over HOW MUCH racism there is, rather than addressing the racism.
Kilo Both government responsibility and individual responsibility is needed today. For example the government can make policies to improve black schools (which they have tried and failed) but as long as being “authentically ” black means to be against school and intellectualism then the black community isn’t going to get anywhere no matter how much money we pour into education. We need young blacks to look up to men like Baldwin not Lil baby. I bet Baldwin would be ruthlessly made fun of by the young black men of today. Better leaders need to be put into power so better policies can be made. And perhaps more importantly, a cultural change needs to happen.
" 'Keep on pushing' Curtis Mayfield says. 'Be a force for good' Cole Train says. 'Mississippi, Goddam' says Nina Simone. That aint having hope, that's BEING a hope. Courageously bearing witness regardless of what the circumstance is because youre choosing to be the kind of person with integrity to the best of your ability before the worms get your body. Boom. That's it. That's blues, beautiful tradition. "
Damn I love the spontaneous eruption of poetry that embraces me when I hear Dr West. Almost stream of consciousness, yet not that loose. He knows exactly where he is going but does it so beautifully! Like Maya Angelou, such fierce joy and a force for Hope!
Baldwin was a deep man. His writings are so pure and deep. It’s the kind of stuff you can read and reread and learn new things each time. He has taught us a lot! Prophetically honest and powerful.
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If you want the hairs on the back of your neck to stand at attention I recommend watching his debate vs. William Buckley at Cambridge University in 1965 on The American Dream and African Americans roles in it. He annihilates Buckley . The entire student body gave him a standing ovation including the moderator.. The announcer was stunned. Almost felt sorry for Buckley
I am in the process of reading EVERYTHING by him, not just his most popular works...he is one of the most gifted, independent and honest intellectuals in the world...
@@francoisbessing So sorry I haven't answered till now, I hadn't seen your question! I would start (if you haven't yet) with "Go tell it to the mountain", a semi autobiographical work of Baldwin's life. Then "The fire next time", two essays, the first on race in Us history and the second on the relations between race and religion.
When you read “Going to meet the man” it will totally stop you in your tracks. By far the most disturbing story I have read in 82 years. Amongst other things, Conflates America’s Original Sin with America’ Oldest Old Wives Tale
i was born in 1961 during this period we had poets, activist for real civil right, writer's, & young black men that really wanted to change the black community. It is a shame that as a child growing up during this time i was not allowed to be expose to these great people. For what ever reason i had no knowledge of people like Mr. Baldwin not say i never heard of him, i just wasn't fully informed of how brilliant he was. I learned this later in life when i finished the miseducated Chicago school system. SMH
I too was born in '61. My older sister invited James Baldwin to speak at her HS graduation, 1975, and he accepted. I had just completed eighth grade. I had no idea who he was. There were only three black students in my sister's graduating class of about 80 kids.. I was too young to fully appreciate his words at the time, although I remember some of it. His speech was direct; the unvarnished truth. It wasn't well received by the majority white audience, but it was honest and forceful. I regret that I didn't record him that day.
Baldwin has left me speechless on each occasion I pick up the gift of his words. His gifts to all of us, an Intellect, a reason, a definition, of just what it means to be a human being.
Your post, your message, your words speaks volumes!!!!! What you are saying is that you are an open minded person, you are honest with yourself, you are able to comprehend very well, and not easily frustrated. That type of mentality is a healthy mentality and comes from someone that is wise, mature, and comfortable within theirself. If you can hold on to those characteristics, which in all honesty is simply staying honest with who you are. If you can hold on to that you will never be lost, regardless of how many trials and tribulations you may go through. Staying honest with yourself allows you to always stay grounded and have peace within.
I was and am and will be a big fan of Baldwin and his enormous works. My first meeting is "Go Tell It On the Mountain". And that came to my very core of mind instantly. Sadly, I have few friends to share the beauty of his words, the truth of his thoughts, and the righteousness of his views. But seeing how many people in the world feel the same to him as much I do, or more, I have found my old self blessed because I know now I was not wrong on having chosed Baldwin as my hero among many others who never heard of him at all.
"Don't have hope, be hope. Be a participant. Be an agent. Courageously bear witness" - ugh there is still time for us to be a force for good! Thank you Dr. Cornel for that reminder.
I never knew how underrated Mr Baldwin was. That one interview with Mr Baldwin and Ms Giovanni was so captivating. Just watching Mr Baldwin actually think about what Ms Giovanni was saying, Even when he didn't agree he always remained respectful. Just seeing that interaction between the younger generation and older generation was everything to me.
that conversation between the two of them reminds me of my relationships with my english teachers. from completely different eras of the world but willing to have the mutual respect for each other and having amazing forward moving conversations
James Baldwin has kept me in check for my whole adult life. I owe a debt that I can't pay. All I can do is be a better man. Thank you brother. My Brother.
And we have to define "popularity", too. To say he wasn't popular because Cleaver thrashed him in a book does not settle the matter of his popularity (and is poor reasoning on West's part). Baldwin is a black treasure; and like all black treasures, they get overlooked by blacks, much like the natural resources of Africa were overlooked by the natives, only to be exploited mercilessly by non-Africans. Baldwin represents one of the rare instances where Eric Hoffer's indictment of the insincere black leader doesn't apply. Baldwin had the utmost sincerity. He was also a first-rate intellectual, one that white liberals and white conservatives couldn't help but admire. Anyone who wants to take a gauge of Baldwin's popularity and his mind should look beyond Cornel West.
We need unity. It’s not “straight black lives matter”, it’s “black lives matter.” If we can’t overcome these obstacles with each other, then we will forever be divided while being watched from the Ivory towers of the upper class.
I think I’m in love with James Baldwin!!! Light never dies; it simply changes form. How I know his truths come from beyond this physical world, look how relevant his words are today!!! True it’s timeless!!! I love him 💞
Its the closing phrase from "The First Next Time." This was the book that launched Baldwin into international fame. One of the most powerful works I've ever read.
@S P I wish people would stop the ignorance and actually READ the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God, breathed through His appointed and anointed writers. It is also a book of HISTORY telling a narrative. NOWHERE in the Bible does it CONDONE slavery. The Hebrews that were captured were indentured servants and because they were God's chosen "at the time", He had given them a set of rules on how to live, even when enslaved. That is NOT condoning it. The bible clearly states" The Spirit of the Lord is on Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the CAPTIVES and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed. Luke 4:18 Slavery is rebuked by God. He CREATED man in HIS image and CREATED man with free will. satan tried to hijack God's words and USE empty vessels who made themselves available to embody hatred and racism. God cursed Miriam (Moses') sister with leprosy because she spoke against Moses' wife who was an Ethiopian. GOD DOES NOT STAND FOR HATE ON ANY LEVEL TOWARDS HIS CREATIONS.
@@createdcreated1977 we been reading that bible ever since it was forced on us by the so called slave masters and his so called priest . We no now no longer have to read that book nor the other book from the Arab ,for some of us are now awake and our Ancestors are saying no more no more. We The so called black, i say indigenous people give back that book and the other one too.
I'm European Portuguese with a long historical rap sheet on slavery from my country. The first country to eventually abolish slavery in 1761 but in reality to continue to do so until mid 1800's from African colonies to Brazil. I'm caucasian. I've discovered James Baldwin through RU-vid, by his debate against Buckley and his appearance with Professor Weiss on the Dick Cavett show. I'm going to start reading Baldwin work as a writer. Not being an American, I've only heard about King, Malcolm X and other great men, martirs of the ungodly, unforgettable injustice against black men women and children. It's a shame Baldwin was never mentioned during my upbringing. He was a truly remarkable man.
I had the pleasure of translating a Baldwin speech into a musical movement for a dance crew last year. It was my introduction to Baldwin. He is one of the most prolific writers of all time, and one of the greatest orators as well.
Thank you Rich, Special Thanks to you Dr. West, over the many years I have followed your Annalise of Humane needs and wants with great interest, I hope to see you soon we have much too talk about, peace and love, Doug.
I"m watching this in June 2020... the month when I've been "all ears"... learning just how pervasive structural racism and white privilege in American society really is.Thank you Dr. Cornel West for helping me better understand who James Baldwin was.
Steven Brant….really? So, have you given up your job, your home, and your children’s futures to pay for your privilege? All of this is not true, and most of those using the label of “racist” are REALLY the racists. Also the using of “fascist”….look up the definition of fascist, and you would conclude that the actions of fascism are being used right now, under the term of #46, not #45. So many have lost their higher powers of reasoning…, I fear.
@@ItsMeeJon What divides us is racism and that some people refuse to see it because it's not directed at them. It's always the people no one wants to sit at the table with that complain about division..
This is one of the very best tributes to JAMES BALDWIN I think any of us will ever see or hear in our life time. Dr. Cornel West remains a true "Grand Prize" for all of US.
He was unpopular because of the year in which he was born. If he were alive today people would be more accepting. Just look at his face...it is kind, welcoming, and exudes love. I learned of him only recently due to RU-vid. I am glad he was renowned and wealthy. Ithink he had a good life in France....so fitting of a place for him. I was born in late 1959.
Mr. Baldwin is a guiding light to truth that I’ve admire and read throughout my life. Truth of people truth of thought truth of action truth of love truth of absence of love truth of indifference truth of brilliance. He blazed a trail that others were afraid to follow very close. They tried to rein him but found they couldn’t. Dr.West lives the life of truth, he honors Mr. Baldwin’s path.
"Just telling the truth and having integrity is revolutionary. It's subversive. It's countercultural." How could it not be? In a world where being truthful is seen as naive and dumb. Where people take advantage of what they can get from you. In a world where having integrity is seen as naive and dumb. Where people teach you that compromising your principles is worth it for some personal gain. How is actively trying to do good not revolutionary in a world that admires and rewards those who are cunning, conniving, and dishonest? In a world that sees kindness and empathy as signs of weakness?
*maybe he wasnt popular in his day bcuz ppl PURPOSELY ignored his work for fear of seeing themselves as to what they really were...and what they were doing to another civilization* 😑
Cornel is the best, shame Bernie abandoned him.. We got to sustain this multiracial united front against this emerging neo fascist project. Awesome line
One my favorite teachers ever named Mr. Goodman, he taught English 4 Honors, gave me a book as a present called “Go Tell It On The Mountain” by a James Baldwin. He got it on sale at a book sale. I was so happy. He is White and and I Black, he always saw how strong my views were on this topics. It was nod to keep going and he respected my views. For that I will always respect him.
SO WOKE! ❤ Can't believe I slept on him all these years. It gives me MUCH encouragement as I am experiencing the same thing. People hate me because I highlight the things they thought were hidden, and once they know someone else has seen and called it, they feel compelled to either avoid or attack you, but the reality is, they are doing it to themselves. Despite this, I believe many are waking up and challenging their shadows to evolve beyond ego. ❤
I don't know this man, this video came up in my recommendations, I guess because of the current climate, but I was brought to tears by how kindly the doctor spoke about him, especially in regards to being a symbol of hope. In these dark times, which we are hopefully seeing the winds of change on the streets, hope is very very powerful.
Yes....I agree, his voice was loud and clear during his time. Some of which carries over to today. He say's, " The moral climate is impossible to change. I would say given the backward dive our history is taking, it all seems to true. 🤔😔
Leah Blake: Yes, my sister! As I also had the pleasure of studying the “the spoken word” of Frantz Fanon and Walter Rodney. Their words are alive today.
To be committed to moral responsibility, do what is needed despite fear and danger to expand that awful truth, That is substance, the stuff of righteousness, the seed and prodigy of nobility itself. That is this man who dares to speak truth to authority.
Baldwin has so far done the best job, for me, of straddling the huge gulf between my experience as a member of an ethnic majority, and reconciling it with his experience as as a member of a minority. I feel like he has my number, like he understands stuff about me that I don't
Zabieru McCloud I don't think he was being racist, he's just a little ignorant. THIS is the cross many white people in America don't realize black folks bear. To give a more up-to-date reference point, it's the same reason some people were mad that Bruno Mars won an Album of the Year Grammy for essentially making a new jack swing tribute album when Bobby Brown, Teddy Riley, and all those artists who invented the genre itself never did. There seems to be a point made to never REALLY give us too much respect at the most significant times, even when others are clearly being influenced by us. We DESERVE our recognition, the history books will lie and act as if it was always given..
Baldwin got his shit together after being thoroughly critiqued by Cleaver and Mayfield. Check out "Princes and Powers" for the Baldwin that Cleaver was critiquing. In that essay Baldwin actually wrote that it was never in our interest to overthrow the machinery of oppression. - WTF. Thats also why he was popular with the liberals. Once he left his liberal leanings we embraced him no question. But lets not make it seem like Baldwin was always on point.
Well Cleaver was always suspect. He had some weird views about rape and revolution and Huey Newton had a tough time trying to keep the Panthers out of unnecessary situations Cleaver would get them into.
Tyrone Derden No one is claiming that Baldwin was always on point, but his arguments and opinions are always on facts. The truth. Just look at who we have for a President.
tupacamaru2 I don't think he was brainwashed in a way, I think his activist voice, his insights and the place of the black world came from the irony of these relationships, he was made more aware of it because he was really on the outside looking in
James Baldwin doesn't need West to validate him... it's an insult, really. James Baldwin stands on his own merit... and the truth isn't always popular but always relevant... and James Baldwin has always been relevant to me... That said. There is no single "James Baldwin moment". There are infinite Baldwin moments in his literature, dialogues, speeches, and interaction with others. He chose not to be a babbling irresponsible firebrand and he chose not to indulge in labels and outright tribalism. His was a universal truth and he was able to see beneath the labels that we define ourselves by... and he made it his moral duty to expose the labels for what they were... divisive... That said. He was also responsible to his community and while he understood the divisive nature of labels, he also was aware that our community was subject to them whether he agreed with them or not... And so, he balanced his intellectual energy between exposing the damage being caused by labels and liberating his people, mainly children, from them... and his measure was based on the evidence of the times, not simply the spirit... He spoke truth to power but did not indulge the bitterness and anger of the times... mostly because he was aware that certain things come and go - emotions- but there are things that continue on into the future... and he wanted those things to be progress...
@@tonyterry916 Agreed! West is a firebrand and a product of our popular culture, in the here and now. And his work is meant to agitate without reason and without an eye on the future... Change at all cost. Baldwin's poetic and philosophical input stands as an ageless contribution. And it stirs the appreciation and desire for maturity and the best possible future outcome for all involved.
@@davidstarks3308 that is a cop out. Enjoy what? It is not about enjoying them. It is about debate and discussion. Baldwin turned on the gay loving white jews. Baldwin knew all about American white men and their Mandingo complex, gay or straight.
"The Son of Harlem, never went to college but the college went through him" ~ Cornel West, a true word man, 1st African American to graduate w/Philosophy PhD from Princeton ✊
