ASU Project Humanities hosts events commemorating James Baldwin

ASU Project Humanities recently announced two events in partnership with Changing Hands Bookstore in commemoration of 100 years of the writer and activist James Baldwin, honoring his work and legacy in exploring the complexities of race, identity, love and class.

Project Humanities Project Director Dr. Neal A. Lester is the facilitator for both events, expressing his excitement for the gatherings in a press release. 

As a professor of African American literature, Lester has taught Baldwin’s works for many years and understood early on the power of the activist’s prophetic words about race, identity, sexuality, Christianity and more.

“It is exhilarating and energizing to witness younger generations discovering his words and legacy and connecting them with current social and political events. I can’t wait to hear the stories attendees will have about how Baldwin’s works have impacted their lives,” Lester said in the release. 

Both of the upcoming events are both free of charge. 

The public is invited to register for and attend a film screening on Aug. 15 at Changing Hands’ Phoenix location of the Oscar-nominated documentary “I Am Not Your Negro,” which envisions the book James Baldwin never finished. 

According to the release, the result is a provocative examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words with a flood of rich archival material. Lester will introduce the film, with a discussion to follow the screening. 

Additionally, community members are invited to a James Baldwin read and share night on Aug. 20 at Changing Hands in Tempe, where attendees are encouraged to bring a line, a poem, a passage, a personal story or something else that connects them with Baldwin for a two- to three-minute share. 

The interactive event will also allow for community conversation facilitated by Lester.