Celebrating James Baldwin at 100!
By Kate O'Brien-Nicholson
2nd August 2024
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Today, August 2, would have been James Baldwin’s 100th birthday, marking the centennial of a literary giant whose work remains as relevant as ever. His writings continue to challenge societal norms and shape discussions on race, sexuality, and social justice, inspiring generations to strive for a more equitable world.
To celebrate his centennial, our Fall 2024 catalog features “Mr. B” by Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin, beautifully capturing Baldwin’s essence. This evocative artwork complements the themes of our publications, highlighting Baldwin’s complexity and enduring influence.
As we celebrate Baldwin today, we invite you to explore these insightful books and reflect on how Baldwin’s voice continues to shape our understanding of the world.
“You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” — Baldwin speaking to LIFE magazine (1963)
Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion by Christopher Hunt features the cover art “Mr. B,” created by Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin, capturing Baldwin’s complex identity. Hunt’s work explores Baldwin’s engagement with religion and queer identity within Black faith communities, offering a fresh perspective on his views on race, sexuality, and belonging.
Who Can Afford to Improvise?: James Baldwin and Black Music, the Lyric and the Listeners by Ed Pavlić examines James Baldwin’s relationship with Black music, from gospel and blues to jazz and R&B. It offers a unique perspective on how Baldwin’s writings were influenced by music and how he in turn, influenced musical culture, providing insights into Baldwin’s interactions with musical figures like Billie Holiday and Ray Charles.
Decolonial Love by Joseph Drexler-Dreis explores the themes of decolonial love in the works of Frantz Fanon and James Baldwin, focusing on how they challenge colonial frameworks in theology and Western modernity. It presents Baldwin’s work as a critical voice against oppression and violence.
Caged: A Teacher’s Journey Through Rikers, or How I Beheaded the Minotaur by Brandon Dean Lamson, references Baldwin’s work, particularly in the context of exploring themes of race, privilege, and the criminal justice system. The book discusses Baldwin’s influence on the author’s understanding of racial dynamics and justice.
Visit www.fordhampress.com to explore our complete list of titles!
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Meet the Artist: Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin
Ingrid Yuzly Mathurin is a contemporary artist known for her vibrant works exploring identity, culture, and resilience. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mathurin blends abstract expressionism with storytelling, drawing from her experiences as an immigrant and woman of color. You can explore more of Mathurin’s work and her artistic vision on her website.
To download the Fordham Press eBook App, CLICK HERE!