James Baldwin's Words Continue to Challenge us 100 Years After His Birth

Notes from America with Kai Wright

On August 2, 1924, a baby boy was born at Harlem Hospital in New York City — one who would grow up to become one of the most celebrated writers and thinkers of the 20th century. James Baldwin’s novels, essays and ideas were captivating and controversial. They challenged society’s ideas of race, power, sexuality and belonging through politics that were rooted in his personal experiences as a Black, queer man in America, and later as an expatriate in other nations.

In this episode, host Kai Wright reveals his own connection to the works of James Baldwin, and speaks with Razia Iqbal, a professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University. Iqbal is also the host of the forthcoming podcast series “Notes on a Native Son,” which features conversations with modern-day writers and activists who have been inspired by Baldwin. The six-part series will be featured on Notes from America starting on September 7.

Craving more James Baldwin? Check out these episodes from our sister shows at WNYC:

Meshell Ndegeocello’s Ode to James Baldwin on NYC Now

100 Years of 100 Things on The Brian Lehrer Show

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Notes from America airs live on Sundays at 6 p.m. ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts.