Celebrating James Baldwin's Centennial
On August 2, the genius known as James Baldwin would have turned 100 years old. To celebrate this auspicious centennial, events around the world will be held in Baldwin’s honor. Here are some of the events that I will be participating in as a speaker or attending as a guest. Stay tuned to this space for additional Baldwin-related announcements.
JIMMY! God's Black Revolutionary Mouth
Novelist, essayist, intellectual, and activist James Baldwin (1924 - 1987) is renowned as one of the world’s most influential and prophetic voices of our time. His death in 1987 sent waves of grief around the world. Amiri Baraka’s eulogy, titled “Jimmy!”, spoke of James "Jimmy" Baldwin as “not only a writer, international literary figure” but as a “man, spirit, voice”. Baraka called Baldwin “God’s black revolutionary mouth” which speaks to Baldwin’s enduring legacy of radical truth-telling.
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is home to Baldwin’s archive of personal papers. In celebration of his 100th birthday, on public display for the first time, we proudly present selections from the James Baldwin Papers that highlight his literary career and legacy from childhood to death, along with items from other research collections that illuminate the passion, brilliance, and courageous spirit of James “Jimmy” Baldwin.
Organized by Barrye Brown, Curator, Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division at the Schomburg Center.
The James Baldwin Exhibit will be on display from August 2, 2024–February 28, 2025.
Exhibition Opening Reception & Program
Friday, August 2, Noon–3 p.m.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Blvd New York, NY 10030
Register: HERE
A Century of Baldwin: The Legacy Lives!
(Featuring Rhymefest, Robert Jones, Jr., and more!)
Join the Baldwin Family and luminaries of art, literature, and culture for a one-night celebration of his lasting impact at New York City’s Lincoln Center. During these turbulent times, when too many people feel trapped in shared history, the haunting words of Baldwin have become a spiritual inspiration for courageous change and radical love. So come bear witness to this historic centenary event where all in attendance will be united by Baldwin.
Friday, August 2, 2024
7:30 p.m. ET
Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall
1941 Broadway at W 65th St
New York, N.Y. 10023
Purchase Tickets: HERE
Baldwin and Black Legacy: Truth, Liberation, Activism
La Maison Baldwin, in cooperation with the James Baldwin Estate, has organized this momentous event bringing together writers, scholars, activists, and artists from around the world to reflect on Baldwin's profound impact on literature, civil rights, and social justice.
Through a series of workshops, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and cultural excursions, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of Baldwin's work and its relevance today. Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Baldwin's era, engage in thought-provoking conversations, and celebrate the timeless power of his words.
The festival line-up includes:
Welcome Reception
Keynote Address: Robert Jones, Jr.
Three-day Poetry Workshop: Kwame Dawes
Three-day Fiction Workshop: Deesha Philyaw
Three-day Non-Fiction Workshop: Brian Broome
Three-day Student Activism Workshops (18-24)
Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin—Works by Sabrina Nelson, Curated by Ashara Ekundayo and Omo Misha
"Put On Your Crown: a Tribute to Identity and Empowerment" by award-winning artist, Kristine Mays, art exhibit hosted by Maison Noire Amèricaine
Amen Corners
James Baldwin in Paris—Entrée to Black Paris Tours
Centennial Gala
Panel Discussions
James Baldwin Out Loud Performance and The Price of the Ticket Screening
Final Keynote Speaker - Closing Panel
Writers' Showcase
The Centennial Festival Pass offers access to our welcome reception, all keynotes and panel discussions, art exhibitions, the James Baldwin OutLoud performance and film screening and open mic Amen corners. Please note that some events do have limited access. Writers workshops, the Centennial Gala, and Entrée to Black Paris Tours require an additional ticket.
The Student Pass includes all of the main festival activities and the student activism workshops.
September 9-13, 2024
Paris, France
Register: HERE
Celebrating James Baldwin’s 100th Birthday: His Legacy and Influence on Literature, Film and Theater
If you missed the National Museum of African-American History and Culture’s event on July 25, 2024, you can view the recorded simulcast: HERE. You can also view the museum’s Baldwin artifacts online: HERE.
Recommended Listening
“Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Roy Ayers
“So What” by Miles Davis
“Creator” by Rhymefest
“I Put A Spell On You” by Nina Simone
“Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do” by Bessie Smith
Recommended Reading
The Cross of Redemption: Uncollected Writings by James Baldwin
Punch Me Up to the Gods by Brian Broome
City of Bones by Kwame Dawes
The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
Recommended Viewing
Blessings upon blessings,
Robert