Tuesday

In Search of Great Content: Jimmie from Harlem

During my trip to Chicago a couple of weeks back my friend DJ turned me onto the podcasts that are available through itunes. Being the non-shopper that I am, I had avoided itunes because I had no need of making a purchase through their service since I still like buying my music the old way – going to the record store. So until I compile my list of ipod must haves, they will have to wait to get my money. Nevertheless, when I found out about the content available through the podcasts, I began seeking material at a feverish pace. One night I was up on and off throughout the night making sure my podcasts had loaded properly. It was like getting a new game at Christmas. I had found a new something to love and I could feel its pull. It was drawing me into its welcoming embrace, transforming me into a podcast junkie.

During my search I happened upon some Tavis Smiley interviews and then I noticed the section where you can see recommendations by those who also loaded what you are currently checking out. It was through those links that I stumbled upon Black Media Archive. They have some of the best historical content around. I have watched black and white African American films dating back to the 30’s and viewed interviews by the likes of Gil Scott Heron, Elijah Muhammad, Stic.man of Dead Prez, and I found some material on James Baldwin.

I have to admit, I have never read Mr. Baldwin, although I have read his contemporaries Wright and Hughes. Nevertheless, after watching Jimmie Baldwin's interviews, I found his views to be spot on and timeless. Much of what he expressed in his interviews from the 60’s is still relevant to this very day. It just goes to show that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I was actually able to find one of the interviews on You Tube. So sit back and settle into the week while enjoying this cup of Mr. James Baldwin. If you are like me, you will absolutely embrace his closing statement.

Online Subscribers link: James Baldwin Video


[click "play" (the arrow button) to watch]


About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit www.i-Lit.com. The book is also available on Amazon.

4 comments:

CapCity said...

thank u for sharing this, Dear Rich. It's been a LONG time since I've read Brother Baldwin ... & his stuff can be HARD to swallow...but, i think I'm gonna have to pick it up again. ONE book I think U & EVERY one must READ: D. Russell's Black Genius - not sure if I shared this w/u before (worth repeating if i did;-). It may just be the best thing a white man ever compiled!

Don said...

love the post. and definitely agree @ bladwin being wayy before his time or as you stated: It just goes to show that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

black media archives sounds like something i need to get up on. i too am big on nostalgia.

can't wait to check the video out this evening. thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Amazing! Thanks for passing on the Black Tree Media info, Rich. I'm glad to see that you're giving Baldwin a place in your reading list.

Don said...

the problem now is how are you going to save yourselves...

i see why james baldwin wrote the masterful way he did. this is the first time i've ever seen the man speak. just from this small interview i can tell two things, off top:

1) he visualized, even in speech

2) he even spoke with great empathy.

i do believe that, like he said, he meant every word he said.


that final statement was...well, haunting.