To celebrate James Baldwin’s life and work, Lewis Latimer House Museum hosts a special virtual Reading & Discussion series this fall. Participants are welcome to join any number of the five virtual sessions. This series takes place biweekly on Wednesday evenings in September – November 2021.
Facilitator: Sherese Francis
James Baldwin once said ““If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” Throughout his life Baldwin used his words to reveal difficult, complex truths about America and the world, about his communities and even about himself, because he believed truth-telling was an act of love. In this Reading and Discussion series, we will look at various writings from Baldwin, thinking about how his truths are still relevant in 21st century America.
Virtual Session 2
What does it mean to be American? Continuing Baldwin's exploration of the constructions and delusions within American mythos, and the contradictions and complexities of American identity, we will read excerpts from essays like "The Discovery of What It Means to Be American," and "In Search of a Majority."
This Reading & Discussion series is supported by Humanities NY.