James Baldwin's America
James Baldwin was one of the most important writers and activists of the 20th century. In James Baldwin's America, Jesse James will discuss the importance of Baldwin's work in our current social and political climate. Baldwin's reach in society was far and wide, and to gain a complete picture of Baldwin a variety of subjects will be continually addressed including music, religion, and the world Baldwin struggled against daily for over 60 years.
Episodes
20 episodes
James Baldwin, America, and the Presidential Election
Jesse spends this week previewing the upcoming Presidential election in America and playing some clips of Baldwin talking about America, hope, and progress.You can also make a donation to Jesse and the show via PayPal at: Baldwins.Ameri...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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18:30
James Baldwin and A Talk to Teachers Part 2
Jesse talks about the upcoming presidential election in the United States and how the outcome needs to unify us regardless of who holds office. He then dives back into Baldwin's essay, 'A Talk to Teachers' and how and why it is still so relevan...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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36:57
James Baldwin, A Talk to Teachers, and a Microphone
This week Jesse talks about Baldwin's essay, 'A Talk to Teachers' and the relevance it still holds to this day. He then uses his platform (microphone) to discuss the burden of being Black that children in this country face at far too y...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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31:20
James Baldwin, Solomon Roller, and the Creative Process for a Dancer
Jesse is joined this week by dancer Solomon Roller. The two discuss The Fire Next Time, growing up in a bi-racial family, the importance of finding 'a tribe,' dancing as freedom, and happiness. Jesse then talks about a Baldwi...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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51:28
James Baldwin, Black Creativity and Film with Bre Dioni
Jesse is joined by writer and filmmaker, Bre Dioni. The two discuss how adversity affects creativity, being Black in Wisconsin, and film. Jesse then talks about his new Patreon Page for the podcast as well as the songs of the week and an import...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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36:40
Bonus Episode
Jesse drops in with a quick bonus episode to update you about some new features coming to the show soon.
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7:51
James Baldwin, the Artist, and the Power of Photography with RJ Page
Jesse is joined this week by photographer RJ Page. The two discuss several of Baldwin's works including: Giovanni's Room, Another Country, and If Beale Street Could Talk. The two also discuss Page's work as a photographer, jazz music and artist...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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39:37
James Baldwin as Activist and Agitator with Dr. Bill V. Mullen
Jesse is joined by Professor Bill V. Mullen and talk about his Baldwin biography, Living In Fire. They discuss James Baldwin's role as an activist and agitator of the state in the 1960's and the toll that takes on a person me...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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39:55
James Baldwin, Tupac Shakur, and Krump Dancing with Traviance Witherspoon
Jesse is joined this week by Krump dancer, Traviance Witherspoon. The two discuss the origins of Krump, its popularity, and how creativity can be stifled in an oppressed system. Jesse then talks about Tupac Shakur and his lasting legacy on the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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40:25
James Baldwin and the Artist's Struggle for Integrity with Jamie Dawson
Jesse plays an excerpt from James Baldwin's talk about the artist's struggle for integrity. He then talks to poet, singer, and dancer, Jamie Dawson. Jamie discusses her struggle for integrity as an artist and how her life in Florida and schooli...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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42:25
James Baldwin and Black Music with Professor Ed Pavlić Pt. 2
Professor Ed Pavlić is back again this week to talk more Baldwin, specifically about how to use Baldwin in the classroom and Black music. Jesse then talks about the death of Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman, and the importance of represent...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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50:59
James Baldwin and Identity with Professor Ed Pavlić Pt. 1
Jesse discusses the breaking news of another Black man (Jacob Blake) being shot by police officers. He also talks about why Jemele Hill would compare the United States to Nazi Germany. Jesse is then joined by Professor Ed Pavlić from the Univer...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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40:00
Craig Werner and Black Music
Professor Emeritus of African American Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Craig Werner, joins Jesse this week. They discuss Craig's favorite work by Baldwin, how he came to Baldwin in the first place as well as Baldwin's importance still r...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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36:00
A Baldwinian Pedagogy
This week, Jesse talks about his Master's Thesis work, focusing on what he calls a Baldwinian Pedagogy. It looks a Baldwin through many lens and breaks down his work to individual topics that can then be used as building blocks for a proper hum...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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40:59
The Price of the Ticket
This week Jesse reviews the 1989 documentary, "The Price of The Ticket." The documentary covers Baldwin's life in his own words and the words of those closest to him. Songs of the week: Neil Young, "Lookin for a Leader 2020": https:...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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32:22
John Lewis: Good Trouble
This week Jesse reviews the 2020 documentary: John Lewis: Good Trouble. Jesse also talks about Black music, introducing two new segments to the show. J. Cole "The Climb Back": https://youtu.be/oVaBgcJwkI4Martha and the Vandel...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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30:37
Love
In this episode Jesse talks about love, loss, and heroes. Link to John Lewis speech: https://youtu.be/QV_8zSA3pyULink to both John Lewis speeches from the March on Washington:
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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21:58
I Am Not Your Negro
Jesse talks about where he's been the last month and the profound impact the events he's dealt with have had on him. He also reviews Raoul Peck's 2016 documentary on James Baldwin, "I Am Not Your Negro". So many similarities exist between the c...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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34:06
Progress
With the death of George Floyd, there seems to be progress being made in America for police reform. But what is progress really? Is police reform enough? What did Baldwin think about progress? White supremacy is addressed by Jesse James and the...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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34:32
This is James Baldwin's America
In this episode Jesse James listens to some clips of James Baldwin and introduces himself and Baldwin to the listeners. Artist Jamie Dawson sings a moving rendition of Strange Fruit to end the show. You can contact the show by email at Baldwins...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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29:58
