20 episodes

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.

James Baldwin's America Jesse James

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 76 Ratings

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.

    James Baldwin, America, and the Presidential Election

    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.America@gmail.com. All donations will be used to offset the production costs of the show and are greatly appreciated.
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    • 18 min
    James Baldwin and A Talk to Teachers Part 2

    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 relevant in 2020. 

    Songs of the Week:

    Public Enemy: Fight the Power 2020

    Billie Holiday: Strange Fruit


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    • 36 min
    James Baldwin, A Talk to Teachers, and a Microphone

    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 young of an age. He also talks about the importance of the upcoming election in the United States.

    Song of the Week:

    Louis Armstrong: West End Blues
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    • 31 min
    James Baldwin, Solomon Roller, and the Creative Process for a Dancer

    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 Baldwin passage from The Price of the Ticket and the difficulties Baldwin faced as he tried to bear witness to America.

    Songs of the Week:

    Michael Jackson: Remember the Time

    Bruce Springsteen: Born in the U.S.A. - Acoustic version

    Solomon Roller on Instagram
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    • 51 min
    James Baldwin, Black Creativity and Film with Bre Dioni

    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 important passage from No Name in the Street.

    Songs of the Week:

    Mary J. Blige: No More Drama

    John Lennon: Instant Karma 

    Bre Dioni Page
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    • 36 min
    Bonus Episode

    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 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
76 Ratings

76 Ratings

dmlovelife ,

Great content

I am just learning about James Baldwin. This was the first podcast I came across with and I enjoyed it very much. I am looking forward to completing the series.

Zeta iron man ,

A great analysis of Baldwin

I recently stumbled across this podcast, I’ve been looking for more Baldwin content and enjoying his work, and conversations on race relations. I found this podcast not only insightful, but timely which is quite the indictment of our times. I’m a younger Black man that has found race more salient now than any other time in my life, and this has helped me worm through that, and find hope for the progress we will make comparing where we came from.

esty1943 ,

We need this

This is a great podcast at an important time. Creating empathy and understanding as well as just shining a light on an important voice that should not be forgotten. Thanks for doing this it helps me sort through this confusing moment in history.

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