By Joseph D’Andrea
Adelphi’s Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies held their “The Fire This Time: The Lasting Impact of James Baldwin's Writings” event at the University Center on Sept. 25. The panel discussed the themes and issues raised by the civil rights activist’s 1963 text “The Fire Next Time.”
The event was moderated by Patricia G. Lespinasse, PhD, the director and associate professor of African-American literature in the African, Black and Caribbean Studies program. Panelists included Allia Abdullah-Matta, PhD, a poet and professor of English at CUNY LaGuardia, the Graduate Center and Hunter College; and Susan Dinan, PhD, the dean of the Honors College and history professor at Adelphi.
The event began with an introduction from Fabian Burrell, coordinator for programming and community engagement for the Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies, emphasizing that the team brainstormed the overarching theme in recognition of James Baldwin’s 100th birthday. This particular panel discussion, Burrell said, “was curated to display the depth of Baldwin’s words in the 21st century and how educators use his work to illustrate his relevance in our times.”
The panelists brought many modern characteristics of American society into the conversation, saying that even today the country is still facing educational setbacks, noting Florida’s controversial history curriculum. However, their discussion reflected Baldwin’s “optimistic” grace, encouraging the 42 attendees to seek out more of his work, which offers a perspective of the civil rights movement that somewhat differs from those of some of the most well-known civil rights leaders in the 1960s.
Burrell explained that Baldwin’s first book, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” was published in 1953 in Paris, where he had exiled himself because he could not write in Harlem, New York and the United States.
“He had to free himself from the bombardment of racism, his identity crises confronting his homosexuality and the homophobia in society, his religious upbringing, and the frightening terrorism that reigned down on his people — Black people,” she said. “Although he was a very outspoken critic of the government and its policies, he still managed to find allies amongst our world leaders — President John F. Kennedy, for example — for his discourse, which allowed his activism to take root. He used his pen to advocate for justice.”
Baldwin’s writings remain important and relevant for any students of culture, history and politics, but particularly college-aged individuals still trying to find their place in the world themselves.
“Baldwin is an important figure for college students to read about as they are now faced with the same issues of his time; social injustices, war, genocide and political unrest in many parts of the world today,” Burrell said. “His work could be a roadmap on their journey.
“It was great to see how the students engaged with the panelists during the Q&A segment of the evening,” she continued. “James Baldwin's work is very compelling and his voice is authentic. Students from any major course of study could benefit from his work as these are human issues. Students who are well-versed are equipped to compete in this global community to address global challenges.”
In addition to the Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies, co-sponsors included the English Department; the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; and the Center for Academic Support and Enrichment.
The Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies will continue to host events relating to Baldwin throughout the semester to commemorate his life and examine the impact of his published words, particularly his influence on Black culture and mind. A James Baldwin Distinguished Lecture discussing his work was held on Oct. 16, which featured renowned author and activist Kevin Powell.
The next event in the series, “Remember This House: Student Reflections on James Baldwin,” will take place on Oct. 28 at 5 pm in the Swirbul Library's Innovation Center. Creative Writing Club students and other attendees will have a chance to engage in a discussion after a screening of the 2016 documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which is based on James Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript “Remember This House.”
For those interested in learning more about Baldwin, panelist Abdullah-Matta recommended Vintage Book’s publication, “Vintage Baldwin.” Visit Adelphi’s events webpage for more information about future events sponsored by the Center for African, Black and Caribbean Studies.
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