JAMES BALDWIN

Few can present an argument like James Baldwin. His ability to make his story yours is what makes him unique. Whereas Malcolm utilized a sort of pythagorean logic where he could use analogies of foxes and wolves to describe the nature of our democratic system, and Garvey having immediate practical solutions such as leaving this country all together, Baldwin’s knack of focusing on identity, enlightened the oppressed and repudiated white’s hegemonic moral order. He can tell a story stretching hundreds of years in five minutes flat a la John Henrik Clarke but could also orate in a cadence so soothing it is as if he understands the nature of the human soul must be nurtured when presented such harsh circumstances.

Hear Fran Lebowitz’s thoughts on James baldwin at 3:20