Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years. (Podcast Hosted by Aldo B. Martin & Dr. Frank Leon Roberts)

Aldo B. Martin and Dr. Frank Leon Roberts
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Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years. (Podcast Hosted by Aldo B. Martin & Dr. Frank Leon Roberts)

Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years, 1940-1942  takes listeners on a fascinating journey to James Baldwin's early days as a teenage prodigy at New York City's famed DeWitt Clinton High School. Co-hosted by New York City-based podcast creator Aldo B. Martin and Harlem-based English Professor Frank Leon Roberts, Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years combines in-depth analysis,  casual conversation and riveting audio performances of rare and never-before-recorded work written by teenage Baldwin. Insightful, conversational, and accessible—Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years will appeal to anyone with a love for James Baldwin, New York City, stories, conversation, podcasts, or the power of literature. 

  1. 11/15/2023

    Epilogue

    In the final episode, Professor Roberts and Aldo discuss their thoughts and discoveries in holding space for this subject matter. The duo also attempt to explain why James Baldwin was, is, and will always be important. Episode ReferencesThe Welcome TableHerman "Bill" PorterSchomburg Center for Research in Black CultureThe James Baldwin PapersFerncliff Cemetery AssociationFurther Reading:Books by James BaldwinThe Furious Passage of James Baldwin by Fern M. EckmanJames Baldwin: A B...

    31 min

  2. 11/08/2023

    Chapter 17 - Rendezvous with Life

    This episode discusses an interview that teenage Baldwin conducted in the Magpie. Also discussed, is James Baldwin's student/teacher relationship with Harlem Renaissance poet, Countee Cullen. Elena from 3B joins Aldo as a special guest host for this episode (don't worry - Professor. Roberts will be back next week!). Elena and Aldo discuss how the Harlem Renaissance, and the Civil Rights Movement are directly linked to Clinton High School and James Baldwin. "Rend...

    42 min

  3. 11/01/2023

    Chapter 16 - Judgment Day

    In this poem, titled "Judgment Day" young James Baldwin again experiments with the usage of African American Vernacular English. Professor Roberts argues that this poem is the most defiant of Baldwin's Magpie work. This episode then takes a look at one of James Baldwin's high school teachers, Abe Meeropol (Abel Meerpolsky). Aldo and Professor Roberts examine Abe Meeropol's contributions to the Magpie, to young Baldwin, and to the world."Judgment Day" is read by Tina E."The ...

    23 min

  4. 10/25/2023

    Chapter 15 - Loose Stone Rolling

    In his latter years at DeWitt Clinton High School, James Baldwin wrote a poem titled “Loose Stone Rolling.” Professor Roberts argues that young Baldwin was proclaiming his life’s purpose with this poem. Aldo argues that such a proclamation was made years prior, during Baldwin's middle school days. The conversation then shifts as the duo introduce and discuss yet another one of Baldwin’s peer collaborators at the Magpie: world renowned photographer, Richard Avedon"Loose Stone...

    24 min

  5. 10/18/2023

    Chapter 14 - Sonnet

    Also Professor Roberts and Aldo discuss "Sonnet," they borrow some of their thoughts from Professor Roberts' students. The duo continue with the theme of "peer collaboration" and introduce another one of James Baldwin's Magpie counterparts: Emile Capouya. In discussing his partnership with them, Professor Roberts and Aldo argue that Baldwin's Magpie peers added value to his life. "Sonnet" is read by Elena from 3B"Untitled" is read by EmmanuelEpisode References:E...

    26 min

  6. 10/11/2023

    Chapter 13 - Incident in London

    One of the more noteworthy elements about "The Magpie," is the element of peer collaboration. While James Baldwin, the "Magpie" editor and writer, is the subject of this podcast, young Baldwin was also a part of a network of gifted and young writers, who all wrote for "The Magpie." This episode introduces us to one of Baldwin's peers/collaborators/friends: Sol SteinIncident in London is read by Tina E.Three Houses is read by Myron AbernathyEpisode References:Blitz in LondonErnie P...

    31 min

  7. 10/04/2023

    Chapter 12 - Aunt Tina

    "Aunt Tina," the fourth short story that James Baldwin wrote for "The Magpie," may have been the inspiration for some of the fictional characters that James Baldwin would go on create in his later years. In addition, Dr. Roberts argues that "Aunt Tina" may have been inspired by people that young Baldwin either knew, or knew about. . Episode ReferencesBette DavisMother Rosa HornThe Douglass PilotFurther Reading:Books by James BaldwinThe Furious Passage of James Baldwin...

    26 min

  8. 09/27/2023

    Chapter 11 - Mississippi Legend

    Mississippi Legend is one of the short stories that James Baldwin wrote in "The Magpie." Aldo suggests that the manner in which this short story was written, introduced the boys of Clinton High School to the world of African American Vernacular English. Dr. Roberts suggests that Baldwin writing in African American Vernacular English, was not a widely accepted practice at that time, thus making his doing so all the more noteworthy. Mississippi Legend is performed by T...

    23 min
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Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years, 1940-1942  takes listeners on a fascinating journey to James Baldwin's early days as a teenage prodigy at New York City's famed DeWitt Clinton High School. Co-hosted by New York City-based podcast creator Aldo B. Martin and Harlem-based English Professor Frank Leon Roberts, Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years combines in-depth analysis,  casual conversation and riveting audio performances of rare and never-before-recorded work written by teenage Baldwin. Insightful, conversational, and accessible—Finding James Baldwin: The Magpie Years will appeal to anyone with a love for James Baldwin, New York City, stories, conversation, podcasts, or the power of literature. 

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