"Free and Brave" a speech by James Baldwin 1963

James Baldwin gives a speech in 1963
Check out this playlist of other Baldwin videos: • James Baldwin
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[@collentomlinson1755]

James Baldwin had no confusion about the nature of the society in which he lived. With amazing clarity and an absolutely grasp of the historical processes that created what is now known as the United States, Baldwin laid it bare for us all to hear and understand.

[@derwentalia]

his true genius lays in his clarity. too many people havent any clarity at all.

[@philsdimension]

Well said, I totally agree.

[@kidano5317]

1-800-FACTS! He's the human personification of genius & integrity.

[@warrenjefferson2237]

A trick: watch movies on Kaldrostream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@jerryxavier2251]

@Warren Jefferson Yup, I have been watching on kaldrostream for months myself :D

[@andrez6299]

I am white and can say that I have never heard any white American, old or young, speak about the United States with as much understanding as James Baldwin does here, and that I have heard few speakers, black or white, old or young, speak with such fierce honesty about any subject at all. For the true measure of his wisdom, listen to his off-the-cuff answers to the questions he is asked at the end of his speech: not one answer is predictable, and every one is good. And compassionate. This is an amazing performance. I'm glad someone recorded it for us!

[@kerrydehorney2949]

Thank you for your comment.

[@raybenson7200]

I second that motion !!!

[@iraqveteran3715]

Well said Andre’. Baldwin was an intellectual with such cerebral capacity for the truth about our country.

[@kimberlymuhammad9573]

It was not a performance

[@232rock]

@@kerrydehorney2949 who are you given thanks to a White person as if you need to hear that from them as if it some gratification that you needed, from a white person, doing that is the same as saying YES MASTER!!! Talking 😏 means nothing but to a Samboo person it means everything.

[@thenewyorkmimes5753]

A brave gay black man whom, despite his horrific treatment, was never bitter. He encourages all who fall within the sound of his voice to think. No greater thing can be said of an intellectual.

[@TheNoirAlien]

He was Gay, but more importantly He was Black man with capital B.

[@jayb1problack909]

He was a Black Man before the happy word (gay) transformed in what it means today. He died a Black Man

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

The fact he put "Black man" before "gay" was/is an exception to the rule...highly respectable. It is my belief the medias' enjoy of Baldwin over a heterosexual man was their design. Beyond rare suggestive public posturing, flair or tag along jest...yes, the "intellectual," even that came uncompromised by all else in the universe...pure logic screaming out to be adapted.

[@thenewyorkmimes5753]

@@jayb1problack909 I'm fairly confident that he also died a gay man. In fact, he moved to Paris and mainly had sex with white men like Marlon Brando, etc. Notice he didn't move to Africa. Why? The lack of inquiry is telling.

[@DJS11811]

Bisexual. He talks abut it on other interviews, he said "I've loved a few men, and I've loved a few women." And that does not take away from your point at all.

[@user-cr7ij9qf6q]

He was a Distinguished; Writer, Intellectual, Revolutionary, and Lecturer. He has left a Rich and Profound Body of Work that should be taught in the History Books, Lecture Halls around the World. His Books should be Required Reading in Ivy League College’s and Universities across the Country. Mr. James Baldwin is an Institution and a National Treasure. Thank You for this Film. ❤❤❤❤❤👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@susanfiedler427]

Everyone should be listening to James Baldwin. I am having all the young people,etc., in the family listen to this exceptional man.

[@christine0513]

During this pandemic I have gotten to know this genius. Had I been exposed to his literature growing up I would have been a different individual.

[@ErnestPorter-wl1cx]

I don't know why I haven't heard of James Baldwin until I was 68 yrs old. This Brother is Very Inspirational and Intelligent. RIP MY BROTHER JAMES BALDWIN

[@christine0513]

I feel yea...same for me.@59.

[@charlesjoseph9881]

one of our brightest stars.

[@marble521]

Have to read all his books...

[@andremiller7725]

He truly is and deserves to be celebrated like Martin, & Malcolm. Is it true Jimmy wasn't liked or popular in his time?

[@kellyabdelghani3404]

@@andremiller7725 Brilliant man I believe they discriminated against him bcos he had a secret life, I believe he is homosexual, his spouse was a man dressed as a woman.

[@respektmyname15]

@@kellyabdelghani3404 It was no secret James Baldwin was openly homosexual.

[@coryday4741]

The fear of being incapable of separating ones self from their identity. Is the misappropriation in value one gives to their life. When we become capable of this separation, the truth becomes unavoidable.

[@marcuspope5328]

Smart brother with a great understanding of history. One of his favorite quotes: If you don't know where you came from, its impossible to know where you are and where you are going. James is one of my favorite authors.

[@jeremygreen2198]

Truly one brave and great individual! The, Fire Next Time! One great writer Apart from being BLACK AND BI! BUT the fact he, was both gave him a, rare insight to aspects of society that made him such a gifted person! Melb Aus

[@runwaygina]

He is so spectacular! The way that he could explain complex realities into terms that are riveting and easy to understand is truly impeccable. He helps make this life make sense, when far too often and almost always truth is manipulated and our society is illusioned by lies.

[@mickeyallen7976]

Very true

[@cappsginny699]

Disillusioned, not illusioned by lies

[@hueman7]

The clarity of his understanding brings me to tears.

[@christine0513]

Real talk

[@yvonnebrown7674]

Outstanding I love all of James Baldwin speeches etc. Very informative and much needed in this day and time.

[@meccamorgan2999]

Happy Birthday Mr. Baldwin, I continue to learn from your brilliance, thank you! Here on August 2, 2021.

[@chriso1523]

How is he NOT in our history books?! Ugh...I know the answer to that question 😞

[@SW-pc9ye]

His message explicitly suggest to REVERSE what we have been taught in school, & rightfully so!

[@andremiller7725]

Your rigjt!! He's just as great a writer or better than Hemingway or Poe.

[@selflabotomy]

But... but he IS in our history books. You'd be hard-pressed to find a college or even high school curriculum which doesn't include his literature. I think people should seek out such books instead of assuming that they do not exist because there ARE people out here working on and invested in getting this stuff right. If you want some suggestions on viable books on Af-Am history let's talk about it>? Peace...

[@hku99]

@@selflabotomy sure I would like to see your list of books

[@poonamsvideoblogs]

How is it possible to argue that Civil War was based on States' Rights and not slavery?!

[@vivc1612]

I love this man. Remarkable human being!

[@minxiv7]

His words are still true 50+ years later. We've not come as far as I prayed we would.

[@Magajiada]

I have never heard any man speak with such wisdom.

[@carmenenriquez184]

Such a brilliant and wise man. Most people have never heard of him, and while I am not surprised it still saddens me.

[@justinafields4450]

Love James Baldwin...truly a GREAT literary genius, and civil rights activist... I can greatly appreciate his mind today in light of the reality of MODERN day racism... Shalom

[@jbmoore4436]

Two very sad points: 1. there were 14 people that dislike this speech, but couldn't bring themselves to explain their dislike. 2. Less than 400 people have watched this video....

[@True-Alpha-king]

the people who don't like the speech is because they are the ones who are still stuck back in the mentality of slavery, and is not willing to change their ways of thinking. and the other point, not too many people of this era knows who James Baldwin was.

[@deshawnmichaelson4161]

One has to admit - he's a bit long and slow in his wording here. His Oxford speech is 1,000 times more riveting... because he made it concise. I think the greatest tragedy here is that we cannot embrace this man and love him in his own time (now that he's gone). He deserved to be celebrated and loved just as much as Martin... except for the fact that he was a gay expatriated artist instead of a married straight preacher.

[@SW-pc9ye]

@@deshawnmichaelson4161 his message is explicitly relevant as an individual, regardless, of his sexual preference!

[@deshawnmichaelson4161]

Some folks may reasonably dislike it because they cannot fathom how such despair ever existed in America. For example - poor folks today are guaranteed free school, food and shelter, and if they stay off crime, drigs and don't make a baby tilol done with college - stats show they do as well as whites or even better. Baldwin had no such world. I wish we could see how far his mind would go in this world today.

[@missdrgirlfriend]

Over 43k people have watched it now and only 17 dislikes. Happy points.

[@jones1351]

The very last answer proved prophetic. Not just for the long hot summer on the horizon, but for Viet Nam, Chile, El Salvador, Iraq, etc. The answer to the question, to this day, remains, 'violence is the language and currency of America.' Even as we - seemingly helplessly - face the demise of decent human existence, the answer remains the same.

[@PLTexas1]

Excellent Speech..." You cannot ever be anymore than who You are".

[@andremiller7725]

I like when he said that too!!

[@AnnMarieKing]

What a joy to 'discover' James Baldwin at an age, point of life experience and in an era where I can truly appreciate his perspective, vision, intellect and bone-dry wit!

[@josiedayne5564]

I'm a white female, 55 years old. I'm so grateful to have discovered this incredible man too!!

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

A Honerable Man,Mr. James Baldwin. No pj

[@PLTexas1]

A clear and precise assessment of the Social Discourse in America...

[@williamarnold9744]

Baldwin was a brilliant man.

[@jazzloggins1715]

I Love and misses Jimmy Baldwin❤

[@samuelhayes8793]

Great brother all praises to the most high.

[@StCloud-ns7vt]

he is so wonderful- baldwin is an oracle thanks fro posting :O)

[@LaLasta]

So much love for this man

[@chillasweet879]

One of the greatest minds America has ever produced.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

The u.s. doesn't deserve a lick of credit for Mr. Baldwin's work. His voice resounds *DESPITE* the u.s., not because of it.

[@khalilcanady2012]

James Baldwin introduced my mother to the construct of Racism.... Remember, Baldwin started out as a preacher....

[@kewsiyehboah6058]

1620 - 2020.. 400 Years since Mayflower arrived on Plymouth, Massachusetts.. J.B telling it like it is..

[@joelmadden8251]

Baldwin has always been a great influence on my black manhood!!

[@marcuspope5328]

Smart Brother

[@Kobe29261]

Thank You!

[@tabbazzseaye7549]

James Arthur Baldwin 1924 - 1987

[@holladaycummings7884]

The collective delusion is a true fact to include doubt because, it is placed upon you at birth. To hear James Baldwin has made me believe I found my identity and unity with others; as what I always believed in my heart to be true and righteous.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

oof. i feel that.

[@YeshuaReal]

Great!

[@josiedayne5564]

52:00 amazing description of how he hopes his other African Americans know they don't have to create anything about who they are, because they've demonstrated it and have an alright incredible heritage demonstrating the obstacles they've overcome

[@TorEtCetera]

Powerful beyond measure

[@GoddessY1968]

Brilliant

[@devonburnett1241]

O' I think he's the best ever ......

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

Free and Brave

[@CV-ix8ls]

Genius

[@marygarvin1715]

Excellent and brilliant speaker!!!Which Black leader can match his oratorical skills today?If there is any please speak out on his level and same subject matter PLEASE!!

[@andremiller7725]

Thank you brother, Sisters & friend for all the Intelligent, praise worthy comments about Jimmy. Im glad to see so many of our generation up on Jimmy and appreciating him. He deserves it.

[@ucbookman]

Who needs an honors college English course. Just listen to James Baldwin and have a dictionary handy.

[@carmenenriquez184]

And he was from a time when articulate Black people were considered dangerous. 😥

[@jamesedwards829]

Exactly. Brilliant man.

[@josiedayne5564]

Anyone who was making it in New England, did not get on the Mayflower! 15:00

[@jrshield7793]

The key is love not bitterness Baldwin had love in the family..help along the way so he could nurture his gifts. Like the black artist of his day and our day Baldwin had to leave the United States in order to find out who he was. Imagine being unable to escape..what it was/is like.. to have gone from being an animal in a small cage to being an animal in a large cage ? I can't imagine what that's like and most of you can't either.

[@teresapalmer6613]

Who can argue against this??? At the point of (26-29) makes me physically sick and ashamed whilst reminding me harshly of the horrors bestowed upon another race by my own. I detest with a passion those responsible from the past to this very present time. May they one day be held accountable for their inhumane and immoral deeds. Mr James Baldwin, RIP. What a man, indeed.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

I appreciate the expression, but really? "May they be held accountable"? Don't hope for accountability, *hold them accountable* . That's our job as whte folks, that's the responsibility that we've unfortunately inherited. For the love of love, don't pass the buck by just hoping. That's what our ancestors did (at best, lbrr), they most all doubled it for the next generation, for hundreds of years. Don't repeat their mistakes. Please god don't repeat their mistakes.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

Tl;dr "Do or do not. There is no try."

[@nikkarter5578]

Somehow "lil' pump" has 1Billion views, yet this GOLD,41 thousand and 25 comments? Jesus Christ

[@eugenemathews7137]

The Cali_W ave

[@Katrinabuttles827]

We got his books .

[@nakadai4444]

It so great and fantastic, Mr. Baldwin sayings, explanations, Yes, as A Brazilian, I can clearly seer and understand his full words, yes what a great Man the world have lost, I did not Know him, nothing about, since 5 days ago, throught this wonderful thing called youtube, Yes, May Go Almighty have him in the right place until the Day of God s Glory of bringing those gone to sleep, and then to Life, to the Real Life......God Almighty have originally planned for Human Kind....

[@adamtzsch]

I’m excited, but not surprised, by James having read Nietzsche. Anyone who wants to see further, deeper, into human morality and human motivations should read Nietzsche.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

A person's motivations are their own and dependent completely on their particular circumstance. It's not something that can be fortune-tellered based on one man's suppositions. I'm sure he's insightful in some ways, but mind-reading is a logical fallacy (not to mention dangerous for the most vulnerable) plain and simple

[@parkbench94]

Rational Wisdom.

[@moonstar4121]

The Black panthers 1970s treated him with hate it hurt his feelings very much I read

[@ronrendon]

"We made a legend out of a massacre." Referring to the creation of the United States of America.

[@jamesedwards829]

What a profound statement 👏

[@jrshield7793]

I wonder if Baldwin knew how funny he was and I mean better than 99% of any comedian I've ever seen or heard. Reality can be funny because what else can you do besides laugh? You can do something about it I guess like Jimmy did.

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

"I don't want to marry your sister...My God." (JamesBaldwin:)

[@josiedayne5564]

15:45 a nation created by people who make it up, and to be defined by these same people

[@37Dionysos]

THANKS---in the Q&A (56:00) someone asks what white people can do to achieve full human dignity. JB likens this to someone asking what to tell their child about sex. "And I often wonder, 'Don't you know yet'?"

[@groupchat2554]

Yes most if not all of the orginal founders were denied heirship to lands in their country so they came here an struck a deal with their helpers. In the end they werent equipped to enter an established market in Europe so they were relient on the guilds and the old system still prevails today. My the Citizen come to being fully known one day.

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

24:00 is rather spooky...it sounds like James Baldwin from 1963, is saying "President Trump," (24:17) The preceding context seems fitting too.

[@Joe-kn3wt]

Yes! I thought I heard that and had to check after coming across your comment. "... present trouble..." does sound like "President Trump" - the way James Baldwin said it.

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

@@Joe-kn3wt With video caption on: "present troubles." Baldwin was so brilliant, he gets the credit for coming into his too distant future with an answer for these Shakespearean times...not to be outdone by another giant of literature and conflict resolution...

[@aaronwoods5861]

24:21 I was listening while working. I thought he said "That lie is the basis of our PRESIDENT TRUMP." I just about fell out of my chair!

[@phyllislen]

Aaron Woods You are so right. I heard the same thing at 24:21. Scary. Was this altered? Creepy. But this man is/was a genius. I know about him thru my dad. Watch him anytime on tv cause we were taught to listen!

[@datruth_706]

47.15 man why it gotta get cut out

[@roozbehhazaei6376]

58:07

[@josiedayne5564]

5:00 try to find a way to help you understand, in even the smallest way, how I feel about...

[@nyahj8546]

35:25

[@ZVISHAVANE6]

Somehow I always thought the saying."young , free and 21"was an apt description of white America but I think that if one delves into the truth , is that they "aint" as free as I once thought.guilt is a terrible cross to bear.

[@StrawmnMcPerson]

They often subject themselves to their own antihuman standards (often to the point of denying themselves and each other their own needs, their own self-respect, their own humanity, even acknowledgement of their own reality), caging themselves with their own internalized colonization of themselves, hobbled by their own bludgeon.

[@josiedayne5564]

54:34 who knows for what reason he would go to Cuba to free the Cubans!

[@roscapper2912]

2

[@StCloud-ns7vt]

"but youre so bitter"

[@mzewhymbona4377]

Pink Bobby Jenkins with time bitterness is replaced by joy and happiness. However if your job is to search truth and tell it as it is. One has to accept that bitterness will be a friend for life. Managing it so you don't cause harm to other is what we all have to practice everyday.

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

B4 duh 📱

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

The pitch and tone are the reputation of the same clear signal. The pharmacies of the impeccable knee gro, is to find it self on bended brun. The reluctance of the assisted unwanted hand. The Renaissance of the premonition of the cursed menstruation cycle called retribution. A horse is a a head, the fowl is the foul, the tort is limited. The space is opulence. Opie lost the battle at the beginning of eternal existence.

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

Mr. James Baldwin is not and has NEVER been a Gay boi.. Just too bronze fore yule- tide, scavangerhunts. He was knot( Garlic) the father!

[@KLR600keem]

😂😂😂 keep quiet laquesha

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

Noun hallmark and K- mart the Lottery game. The 🐔 with the fresh face. The ( stage is you're lame). THE HAUG,HOGG OR THE PIG- MIN JUST SWAI AS YOUR NAMED. THE RIDDLE IS THYME( LOOK GUYS IS ROBE YOU AGAIN![ THE BRATZ- IS SCRAPPLE, MY SHIT STATES THE SAM- OH, O' ALEVE IS FOUR, PAYNE. THE WINNER IS BLEAK,BLEACH IN THE EUPHRATES. The craters face scabies is just the Eau du 🚽

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

Thee Nicholson-Banks

[@evilnotintotesticalorlessbein]

Psoriasis, pigmin( poison, unhealthy, gross!

[@theajayieffect]

It is June 2020. We are in the midst of pandemic and racial unrest. Baldwin's words still ring true. One of the most brilliant scholars ever.

[@EdmacZ]

It is June 2020, and corrupt people in power continue to use “racial unrest” to pit every American against each other to keep them looking away at From the real problem. You are being fooled and manipulated. Unfortunately, we keep taking the bait. Race continues to be the easy dangling carrot from those powerful people to get the common man hating each other.

[@nf4471]

@Edmacz... Baldwin’s point exactly... his message is quite profound... he clearly noted that race is a construct... and that it is crippling us... for us to move beyond it... the white man will need to cease being white. ... will need to lay aside the “story” they run in their heads... ... we are so many years from 1963... it appears this will not be in my lifetime.

[@MrJamesdryable]

41:40