James Baldwin at 100

I just watched Baldwin's whole debate about the American Dream. His striking arguments were far ahead of his time. His eloquence in the art of speech was nearly unmatched, barring MLK. Happy Birthday Mr. Baldwin.

In so many ways Baldwin was a man outside his time (ahead of it actually) who observed what this country was (and wasn't -- its false promises). He had the gift to write and speak about it with an eloquence and acuity that shakes the foundations of tired presuppositions. All is (still) not right with America.

Brilliant soul reads constantly and writes well. As an Asian and Indian I can understand how he can be unapologetic and salute his memory and him.

Brilliant man who saw the inherent hypocrisy of the U.S.A of his era. He lived through a time of turbulence, searching & groping for comprehension of, and a way out, of the black predicament, as well as a way forward. A man of great rationality, he possessed also a wry sense of humor, which I'm sure he recognized as a necessary quality, both for his own peace & sanity, and when presenting himself before the public. HIs intellectualism was obvious but he wasn't a firebrand in the standard 60's sense. There was enough hatred & turmoil in that troubled era to go around. His was a voice of, not appeasement or surrender, but of facing calmly the brutal social-realities confronting his people, never losing faith in the ultimate good of his native-born land. Mr. Baldwin was a great voice & a great American. I'm glad he's being remembered & celebrated in our own equally troubling time.

Great to see the legend being honored.

So, so ahead of his time. I wish he were still around so that we could hear his commentary on life in America today.

Worthy of the honors bestowed. He was a great man of the people. Black people. American people. Humanity.

Bling-obsessed NBA and rap culture could take notes from Baldwin's hard-fought eloquent thoughts on race and displacement in African-American life. His final interview worth reading as well (good PBS doc.on his France years a few years ago, and honored in a quarter-completed Writer Fighters II as well!).

What a legend.

I love this piece. I want to read James Baldwin's 42 books and essays now.

great interview

Thank you James Baldwin.

James!!

He should be a role model for young kids,but sadly nowadays being literate not winning.

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I think the Cambridge Union might actually be in Cambridge NOT London - it's 60 miles away. What kind of fact checking does this news organisation do?!