James Baldwin (1924-1987) was a groundbreaking writer whose powerful prose explored race, identity, and social justice. Born in Harlem, New York City, he faced racism and poverty early on. Baldwin found solace in literature and honed his voice under the guidance of his teacher, Countee Cullen.
Seeking an escape from American prejudice, Baldwin moved to Paris in 1948. Over time, he flourished as an author, delving into themes of Black experience, sexuality, and the complexities of American identity. Novels like Go Tell It on the Mountain and Notes of a Native Son exposed racial tensions and resonated deeply with readers. Baldwin's essays, particularly the searing The Fire Next Time, became essential reading for the Civil Rights Movement. He emerged as a powerful voice, using his eloquence to challenge America to confront its racial realities.
DC Public Library is honoring his legacy as a literary icon and champion for civil rights with recommended reads, resources where you can learn more about his life and the issues he fought so passionately for and attend great events.
Events
James Baldwin Musical Tribute with Swaliga Foundation
Multiple Dates and Locations
Immerse yourself in a tribute to the life and works of James Baldwin, spanning his early struggles to his enduring legacy. Our performance will traverse Baldwin's life stages, from his quest for identity to his global influence, and culminate in a reflection on his return to the US and efforts to foster understanding. Featuring a Jazz trio with an accompanying vocalist and spoken word poet. This program is sponsored by Georgetown Library Friends.
Jay Ellis' Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (Or Just Me?)
Friday, Aug. 2, 3 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
DC Public Library, in partnership with Mahogany Books is excited to host star of HBO's Insecure Jay Ellis as we celebrate the release of his debut memoir, Did Everyone Have an Imaginary Friend (or Just Me)? This humorous memoir charts Ellis' unforgettable journey from adolecence to adulthood, told in the roast-you-with-love voice of your closest homey! Moderating the afternoon's conversation will be New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds!
I Am Not Your Negro Documentary Screening
Saturday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
I Am Not Your Negro envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, a radical narration about race in America, using the writer’s original words, as read by actor Samuel L. Jackson. Alongside a flood of rich archival material, the film draws upon Baldwin’s notes on the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current racial narrative in America. Raoul Peck’s Oscar-nominated documentary is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter. It is a film that questions black representation in Hollywood and beyond. And, ultimately, by confronting the deeper connections between the lives and assassination of these three leaders, Baldwin and Peck have produced a work that challenges the very definition of what America stands for.
Giovanni's Room DC Bushwick Book Club Performance
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. | Georgetown Library
DC Bushwick Book Club artists will present new works inspired by James Baldwin's 'Giovanni's Room,' expressing their personal interpretations through spoken word, music, and film. Each of the eight artists will explore the themes of romance and passion found in Baldwin's universally relatable language.
