James Baldwin discusses the responsibilities of a writer in a socio-cultural, societal, and worldy role. Baldwin also explores how race influences his craft. This was originally broadcast on WFCR’s Writers Speak in 1986.
James Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) was an American novelist, playwright, essayist, poet and social critic. He wrote several essays, novels and collections of poetry, the most famous of which being Go Tell It On The Mountain (1953). Writing as a participant and commentator on the Civil Rights Movement, Baldwin aligned himself with non-violent action emphasized by Martin Luther King Junior. Baldwin passed away from stomach cancer in France, and was buried in Hartsdale, New York.
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