SWARTHMORE, P.A. (KYW Newsradio) — James Baldwin may have died in 1987 at 63-years-old, but the writings and ideas of the influential African-American writer and civil rights activist continue to inspire generations today.
For that impact and to honor Baldwin’s life as it hits 100 years since his birth, Swarthmore College is hosting “James Baldwin of Our Times: A Centennial Celebration” this week. It’s a series of events centered on analyzing Baldwin’s life and work.
Dr. Nina Johnson, an associate professor of sociology and Black studies at the college said the events take a wide breadth of forms.
"We will have a number of scholars and thinkers and writers come together to talk about James Baldwin's impact on their own work and how their work speaks back to his own truth telling,” she said.
One of the events is a screening by associate professor Isaiah Wooden of “I Am Not Your Negro,” the 2016 film by director Raoul Peck based on Baldwin’s work.
The events start on Wednesday and run through the weekend. For a calendar of events, check Swarthmore College’s website.