James Baldwin delivered this speech before a group of educators on October 16, 1963, to address epistemic violence faced by Black children even before they have stepped foot in a classroom. Navigating a world that is not designed for them and that does not benefit them, creates doubt and rage about one's identity, that if left unexpressed or non-mobilized, could destroy the very foundations of the American civic and social life, says Baldwin. A racial reckoning is needed according to Baldwin that destroys instead the founding myths of the country. Learning about one's history and one's responsibility in the world needs a humanizing approach where Black children can recognize themselves in action and at leisure in the world.
James Baldwin, "Baldwin. 1963. A Talk to Teachers. ", contributed by Prerna Srigyan, STS Infrastructures, Platform for Experimental Collaborative Ethnography, last modified 30 January 2023, accessed 23 April 2024. https://stsinfrastructures.org/content/baldwin-1963-talk-teachers
Critical Commentary
James Baldwin delivered this speech before a group of educators on October 16, 1963, to address epistemic violence faced by Black children even before they have stepped foot in a classroom. Navigating a world that is not designed for them and that does not benefit them, creates doubt and rage about one's identity, that if left unexpressed or non-mobilized, could destroy the very foundations of the American civic and social life, says Baldwin. A racial reckoning is needed according to Baldwin that destroys instead the founding myths of the country. Learning about one's history and one's responsibility in the world needs a humanizing approach where Black children can recognize themselves in action and at leisure in the world.