James Baldwin was asking us ‘to grow up’, but ‘we’re still adolescent’

"I don't believe what you say because I see what you do." ~ James Baldwin (1924-1987), American writer, essayist, novelist, playwright, social critic, and activist.

Ali and Eddie and James Baldwin. You know it's going to be good.

Bonjour. I am writing to you from France only due to James Baldwin. I have loved him since I first read his work when I was 14. It was my honor to take his class in college and to write my dissertation about his fiction. It is hard to imagine a world in which everyone does not know the brilliance of James Baldwin. Unfortunately we, as a nation, are still unwilling to pay the price of the ticket. Materialism cannot replace freedom.

I didn't read James Baldwin until I went to graduate school a few years ago: he was brilliant, profound, and thought-provoking. His words are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. Reading Baldwin in 2024 and seeing how far we, as a country, have NOT come, is deeply disturbing, but absolutely necessary.

This was an excellent segment. James Baldwin is more relevant than ever, and you have Eddie Glaude, jr, giving us the best for this short piece. I'm glad MSNBC has kept your show. May you continue to get the recognition you deserve. 💜✊📚

I love watching James Baldwins old debates, interviews, and talks. His sit down with Nikki Giovani is awesome

James Baldwin was a visiting professor at UMASS-Amherst in 1983. I took his class.

So happy to see Eddie Glaude. Thank You Ali Velshi for coming along side of Eddie Glaude in reintroducing James Baldwin to a new generation and those of the old one that wish to be mature and stand up for humanity.

Velshi you are spectacular! Brilliant conversation!!!

Thank you for this tribute. I knew with Ali, Eddie and my beloved Baldwin, I would not be disappointed. Thank so much!!

So, you know, as a student at Howard University between the years of 1975-1979, Baldwin was just 'that dude'. I read so much of his material that I didn't even realize that I was actually becoming a much more intelligent individual as a result of it. Of course, he wasn't the only 'dude' who was spitting fire back then. There were so many. But I think that I gravitated towards him so much because we both had the mind of an artist. He was writer. I was a student of music. We thought and spoke the same language as black 'creatives' during a time of absolute necessity to break the mental chains and to set our minds free. He was my tutor, my elder, my guide to the future that was awaiting me. I became an intelligent individual as a result of his and many other elder leaders. Brother Baldwin was way ahead of his time. He asked a lot of black people, especially the part of forgiving white people. We're still not quite there. And I don't know if we ever will be. But I do believe that the possibility does lie ahead in the hearts of future generations to come. So rest in Peace Brother Baldwin. We just might get there. ❤

Baldwin books are national treasures. Navigating life in the 60s and 70s was held together by his work. Always respected and loved.

My first encounter was Another Country. Blew my mind to smithereens and made a lifelong devotee of me. Ravenously, rapaciously, I devoured every single thing he's ever written and spoken, provided they were publicly accessible. What a writer, what a mind, what courage. If Baldwin were white, he'd be revered more than Twain or Melville.

Bravo Ali Velshi, Eddie Glaude, and of James Baldwin. My interest here is somewhat more on the skill of oration, and James Baldwin is simply intense, to reread, even now. I have my sights on Eddie Glaude . . . Thank you..

Baldwin is a wonderful author. No better teacher on race and racism in America than he. For as long as white America continues to be what Baldwin describes Baldwin will always be quintessential.

A remarkable human. Really brilliant. I first read Baldwin in my HS AP English class. Probably those books would be banned in today’s America. What a pity

Thank you for this tribute So deserved

Great segment, Ali. Keep up the great work.

"The most dangerous creation of any society is the man who has nothing to lose." ~ James Baldwin, "The Fire Next Time." (1924-1987), American writer, essayist, novelist, playwright, and social critic, activist.

I need to read “ The Fire Next title “ again Thank you sir much, I enjoyed the interview