BGG Black History Month Spotlight: James Baldwin |

BGG Black History Month Spotlight: James Baldwin
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February 6th, 2010www.blackgaygossip.comBlack History Month Spotlight, Culture, Spotlight

An important voice during and pre-Civil Rights movement, James Baldwin was an openly gay writer, author, artist, and activist on social issues. His writings are both powerful and timeless. He has penned several poignant and controversial books including, “Giovanni’s Room,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “The Fire Next Time,” and “Another Country.”

Baldwin was also politically engaged, speaking on issues of race, sexuality and equality. A lot of Baldwin’s works talk about the struggle between sexuality and religion, and the influences of his preacher father. If you’re not familiar with his work, take the time to check out any one of his writings. You won’t regret it.

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6 Responses to “BGG Black History Month Spotlight: James Baldwin”

Aisha February 6th, 2010 at 3:49 pm

JB is one of my favorite authors.

“God gave Noah the rainbow sign, no more water the fire next time.”

The gay revolution is here.
Shelly February 6th, 2010 at 3:52 pm

That is my favorite line from The Fire Next Time. Great way to end the book. He’s one of my favorite authors too
Aisha February 6th, 2010 at 4:03 pm

Yea, I never realized that line is from the negro spiritual, Mary Don’t You Weep. Black people are amazing. Despite everything that we have been through we are still trailblazers in all areas and aspects of life, most especially those demanding creativity and courage.
Jacquii Cooke February 8th, 2010 at 8:36 am

Baldwin = simply genius!
And HELL yeah – that’s my favorite line from The Fire Next Time too. Yup – dude is genius – it’s nice that he left such a poignant body of literature for us to enjoy. Definitely one of the greats within a society that’s complacent to be merely mediocre.

Jacquii.
Hill February 8th, 2010 at 11:54 pm

I love me some James B but I think he was high when he gave this interview. He probably smoked a fat one and came on talking about yea, you have to face time and then you are released from the cacophony…yes, yes, yes. If it wasn’t for the fact that he was gay I would say he was trying to get them draws. She was eating it up too. Yes James, tell me more James. How fascinating…
dominicanboi February 9th, 2010 at 12:41 am

All I have to say is James Baldwin’s books are classics. Even now when you read them, you’re still is amazed by the compelling characters. I got hooked on his books after reading “Go Tell It on the Mountain”. He truly is talented.

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