Thank you to all who attended. You may find a recording of the Roundtable Discussion here.

James Baldwin (1924-87), essayist, novelist, playwright, and poet, was arguably the most piercing American writer and critic of the last century. Deeply committed to the transformative power of the written word, Baldwin marshaled his prose to contend with the country’s existential investment in the myth of race and other systems of violent make-believe. Through his writing and speeches, he implored his co-citizens to confront the lies that form the foundation of American life as a means to arrest the racial nightmare that has so long terrorized the national consciousness. As we celebrate his centennial year, we invite you to join the editors of African American Review as we consider the significance of James Baldwin’s life and work, as well as his singular impact on American letters and culture.

~~~  All events are free and open to the public. The symposium will be held at the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium in Cook Hall on Saint Louis University's campus. Map  ~~~

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION, INCLUDING AUDIENCE Q&A - 1:30-2:50 p.m.

Dr. Rich Blint, University of Pennsylvania; Member, Executive Board, African American Review
Dr. Jacqueline Goldsby, Yale University
Dr. Michelle Wright, Emory University

Moderator: Dr. Nathan Grant, Saint Louis University; Editor, African American Review

RECEPTION - 3:00-4:00 p.m.

FILM SCREENING - 4:00-6:15 p.m.

I Heard It through the Grapevine (1982), dirs. Dick Fontaine and Pat Hartley

Introduced by Dr. Rich Blint
Q&A to follow

AAR's 2013 special issue on James Baldwin can be accessed here.