James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni "A Conversation". Full Broadcast Video

In this new "Flaskback Friday" video we've dug up an oldie but goodie! In 1971 James Baldwin sat down to have an honest and open conversation with Nikki Giovanni about the state of affairs between the Black men and women of the time. They discuss relationships, "village" building and raising families. This conversation between James Baldwin and Nikki Giovanni is still relevant today.
Original video from SOUL! and then shoutfactorytv. All rights and love to Soul! and shoutfactorytv for broadcasting this. Taped in London, November 1971.
Original links: (part 1) www.shoutfactor...
(part 2) www.shoutfactor...
-Find more audio and video of Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin on this channel.
&check out this playlist of other Baldwin videos: • James Baldwin
to see a video of Nikki Giovanni reflecting on this conversation in 2016 is here: • Conversation Talking ...
Yolande Cornelia "Nikki" Giovanni, Jr.(born June 7, 1943) is an American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator. Giovanni gained initial fame in the late 1960s as one of the foremost authors of the Black Arts Movement. Influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement of the period, her early work provides a strong, militant African-American perspective, leading one writer to dub her the "Poet of the Black Revolution."
James Arthur Baldwin (August 2, 1924 - December 1, 1987) was an American novelist and social critic. His essays, as collected in Notes of a Native Son (1955), explore intricacies of racial, sexual, and class distinctions in Western societies, most notably in mid-20th-century America. Some of Baldwin's essays are book-length, including The Fire Next Time (1963), No Name in the Street (1972), and The Devil Finds Work (1976). An unfinished manuscript, Remember This House, was expanded and adapted for cinema as the Academy Award-nominated documentary film I Am Not Your Negro.
Baldwin's novels and plays fictionalize fundamental personal questions and dilemmas amid complex social and psychological pressures thwarting the equitable integration of not only African Americans, but also gay and bisexual men, while depicting some internalized obstacles to such individuals' quests for acceptance. Such dynamics are prominent in Baldwin's second novel, Giovanni's Room, written in 1956, well before the gay liberation movement.
Soul! or SOUL! (1967-1971 or 1967-1973) was a pioneering performance/variety television program in the late 1960s and early 1970s produced by New York City PBS affiliate, WNET. It showcased African American music, dance and literature. en.wikipedia.o...!
more on Soul! here: www.thirteen.o...
Ellis Haizlip was born on September 17, 1929 (to January 25, 1991). He was a pioneering broadcaster, television host, theater and television producer, and cultural activist. Often host of Soul!
If you are a copyright holder that would like something removed from my channel please message me on KZbin & I will respond so you do not need to file a DMCA Copyright Takedown Request with KZbin. Thank You.
Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.

[@tkaeu]

Here listening 100 years from the day James Baldwin graced us with his presence on earth - August 2, 2024.

[@TheeCuteness]

Me too!!

[@ToriGanza2120]

2024 years since the year of our Lord Jesus Christ truly graced us with His presence and death/atonement for our sins. He is truly to be worshiped and praised.

[@Bandoolie]

15th August, 2024 @ 22.05 in Toulouse Blagnac Airport, waiting for a delayed flight to London ☺️

[@loicemadziwa3106]

2 April 2024....im here watching this ...who is here with me

[@edwardknox9269]

I never knew this conversation even existed. 💪🏾

[@lourdesorive5293]

Same - this is fantastic

[@emariheath]

Me

[@christiancook6443]

April 7th, but ✋🏾

[@noursalahsarhan9835]

8 April 2024...feels like I was guided here.

[@orangezest5501]

Who came here after watching a short of this? Refreshing to see intelligent conversations.

[@anuoluwapoomobolaji5642]

Exactly why I'm here. It is important that we have a full view of the discussion, or else we'd conclude that one party is right on a subject.

[@janetastra6041]

Absolutely worth the visit, sex, intercourse, fornication and making love are 4 different things, serving different purposes. My humble thought is only maturity gives you the insight to see that we've been led to the intellectual definition and wrong answer, because the computation is wrong based on a European romantic ideology. We don't need superficial Roman antics, our way of thinking was family, intimacy, seeing into your mate and reciprocally meeting their needs. This was stripped away by a false money system of welfare and following a Govt Ordnance Dept, masquerading as source provider and false god, because we were led to forgot our own intelligent and natural way. We must allow ourselves to bring back the love and learn to ignore the beguiling interruption. 💚Pax Amore et Lux. 💚

[@freddyray6805]

Me too. I knew of Baldwin, great writer, but only came across Nikki Giovani today. Great insights.

[@flotaylor6421]

Ah Yes!

[@ashleymakamu]

I literally typed *if I love you I have to lie to you vedio* and now I'm here

[@sheisthee]

Mature adults engaging in intelligent discourse without screaming at each other. Those were the times.

[@paulinebaylock8740]

They still exist it’s just not broadcast on mainstream mediums… there’s no chaos in that… this world thrives on chaos✌🏾

[@bnorwood57]

Try Sonnie Johnsons spaces and xm program

[@freddyray6805]

Now we have to deal with only fans models saying they are empowered on podcast. How shameful.

[@JNante]

​@@freddyray6805 don't leave out infantile/childish mindset of some male species in your analysis... It takes 2 to tangle 😉

[@benniesagittarius2865]

This is hard to find these, black intelligent conversation, what we have is 2 intelligent black individual. Nikki Giovanni is so beautiful and very well educated, I admire her so much.

[@dakotac180]

Finally watching this August 17th 2024, it's so beautiful to see profound generations with so much free will in the time, come together. This conversation is so relevant now and I'm a 26 single working creative black queer female. "This is going to be your life and you're going to use it!" James seemed like one of the most present people, he knew exactly what was going on around him. I'm so grateful for this conversation, it made me feel less alone, it's awakening and enlightening.

[@nkosinathimthembu2295]

18 July 2024. It's my birthday today and i felt this interview was the perfect gift to feed my mind, and my soul.

[@timlynch6271]

Happy Birthday 🎈🎊🎁🎂🎉

[@sexxy1989able]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUMAN❤

[@asampete3866]

Hey hope you had a good birthday! That’s my birthday as well

[@BanziBonga]

✨👌🏿

[@ladynita7329]

I’m here listening on Saturday, August 3, 2024. This conversation is eloquently, beautifully and brilliantly presented, spoken. I love and appreciate this intimacy amongst black man and black woman. Revelations on so many levels ❤

[@kennethallen8742]

Read William Julius Williams' ( When Work Disappears) an excellent commentary about what Baldwin's Father was dealing with.

[@jameswalker5260]

@@kennethallen8742 thanks just opened the link and will check it out now. That bit about what his father had to go through was my favorite part by far. When baldwin stated "but there it goes" refering to the love disappearing between a father and mother I cried my eyes out. So powewrful, so truthful and an example of the pyscological horrors that human cruelty can inflict.

[@nemo5225]

"Love is a tremendous responsibility." "It's the only one to take. There isn't any other." Mic drop

[@dylanblue2271]

The discussion about black men and their role in the black community is so fascinating. I'm not black, but I can see both sides of the debate here. Nikki is frustrated by the issues around black fatherhood and black husbands, and violence in families and black men leaving their families etc, and James is expressing that the horrors which have been enacted on many of those men has made them unable to be nice, family men. They are traumatised and they have been emasculated, and made to feel lesser by white people. This understandably warps their sense of self, and then impacts those who love them very badly in many cases. It's such a deep, nuanced conversation.

[@beeznhoney4323]

Respectfully, I agree & disagree with your observations. BWomenKids weren't excused from social injustices & trauma. Bad things weren't reserved just for Bmales, so allowing BMales to DISMISS the fact that BWomenGirls went through the SAME horrors & problems, at the SAME time as they did is harmful. BCulture's gaslighting many generations of BWomen has gone on way too long. I'm a BWoman that is very glad this mindset has/is finally coming to an end.

[@dylanblue2271]

@@beeznhoney4323 Fair enough. That's a really interesting response and gives me a lot of food for thought. Thanks for being an intelligent person on the internet, responding to a comment in good faith.

[@jamabo0]

Well it isn’t all about them. Black women are equally traumatised. Yet that didn’t hinder them from being nice, family women.

[@cbrushira831]

Yes this is my take away as well

[@AfricanStoriesbyOma]

@@beeznhoney4323 exactly, Black women also went through their own horrors and still managed to show up for their kids, family, community and BLACK MEN.

[@poeticwisdom6420]

These are two people that are confident in themselves and don't need to compete. It takes a good listener to hear the "cadence" in their conversation. He is pouring into her and in turn, she's pouring into him. They are "supreme" equals with nothing to prove. I love my people.

[@robertgarcia1605]

“It may be wrong-of course it’s wrong, but we’re dealing with human beings”

[@berabosealinejoyce7639]

2024 listening to this whole conversation again to remind myself that raw conversations are important and necessary ❤. I wish we had this now

[@adrianhartso7060]

With this online social media culture, that's often geared toward "owning" someone you don't agree with, I don't even know if it's possible in a public forum.

[@vinemp]

​@@adrianhartso7060 Yes, as they identify early in these nearly 2-hours, both owner and owned are "the two most unlikeable people in the world"...

[@CrystalPearl777]

I was 10 when the conversation originally took place. It's so enlightening to listen to this as an adult who can understand what they're talking about and contemplate whether or not anything has changed since then.

[@kasiecalvin9386]

& Still possible here in 2024 ❤

[@Lindokuhle.Nkwanyane]

9 July 2024. Turning 23 in a couple days and I feel like videos like these are so important and insightful.

[@alysah6396]

Hey same boat except I’m turning 22 :)

[@adriansmith1939]

Same I'm turning 27 in 2 weeks 🎉

[@Therealhelldweller]

Nice to see someone from e'mzansi here. Knowledge is power.

[@TerriWorlddd]

Sameee im turning 23, on the 28❤ #Family

[@an6nda]

happy belated birthday 🎉❤

[@Flygrl808]

No where near finished with this video but I can’t help but be struck by the dynamic of this conversation. James Baldwin, in all his intrinsically poetic glory, guiding the conversation and Nikki Giovanni, who is noticeably younger than Baldwin both in speech and thought, seems a bit intimidated by the conversation but unrelenting in giving and receiving counterpoints. A brilliant and inspiring conversation

[@dorneciagray7751]

I'm watching this June 30,2024 and this is still relevant to this day!?

[@gatortot6753]

I know right? To the point where I’m looking to older folk like “okay, this isn’t ALL new so what’s the freak out for?”

[@temzyu1379]

it shouldnt be. they succeded in shutting us up. there's still time tho

[@nasa3675]

I never saw this one but Mr. Baldwin was the real person, Thanks

[@ojii_z]

I will forever come back and listen to this conversation wherever I can find it ❤️

[@mnrvaprjct]

Watching this at age 21. It’s invigorating, so much wisdom.

[@AndriaaLeoLove]

Do your own research on whether welfare took Black men out of the home or not.

[@alishaheedmuhamad]

"Daddy" James Baldwin talking to "daughter" Nikki Giovanni. Thanks for sharing ! It is all about empathy, listening, sharing of point of view without hysteria from her though I just like him understand that this woman got deeply hurt by the way her father was behaving towards her and her mother. In a recent interview that I listening from Judge Brown he said she used to be very vindicative towards black men now I understand why : she was deeply hurt. I must look for more recent interviews of her to check if she did changer her mind toward the image of the black man or not.

[@DiceB]

This is so powerful hard but important conversation still relevant in 2023 amazing

[@CC-rv3ro]

share this with a friend

[@sad98333]

Kk my❤m ❤

[@KimKozak]

Agreed even more now.

[@Spartanj42]

I know right?

[@diamond4270]

How so?@@KimKozak

[@pondafit4249]

Watching this interview was good for my soul. Thank you!❤

[@hermysticalsoul]

august 10th 2024 , I love Baldwin he speaks with such grace and truth.

[@peacedoll7946]

“ I don’t like white people and I’m afraid of black men… what do I do? Nikki it’s 2023 and many women feel the same way right now…. The fear and dislike is so real ❤ thank you for being so brave and honest.. I just seen Nikki on the Grio channel and searched her on KZbin and this was one of the first videos I’m so glad I found out about her.. I didn’t get to expand my education when I was younger but I’m definitely making up for it now!!! ❤ thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@IfeomaCreates]

I really felt when she said this

[@JNante]

Keep expanding my young sister, the more you know the more self worth you'll have and the more value you'll have in what you accept from others. I'll always lift you up. Your auntie.

[@summertea8609]

With all due respect, racism is taught, it’s not genetic or automatically inherited because of one’s skin color. A lot has changed, yes there are still evil white people but there’s evil in every race since the Biblical day’s. Please take into consideration that there are some good hearted white folks on this planet just like there are black, brown, red and yellow. Two wrongs don’t make a right. I guarantee you that there are some white folks out here that will go to war against their own for their black and brown brothers and sisters!!!

[@a-kil5646]

We’re afraid of ourselves queen. In a man’s version. "I don’t like white people and I can’t be a man for my black woman, what do I do?" If we have to lie to you and lie to the world when do we get be ourselves truthfully? That’s ALOT of pressure. So much so that it could destroy a man, we could lose ourselves in what’s real and what’s not. 45:02 A white man can become a millionaire (and nowadays, a black man and woman can too only by acting a fool, being an athlete or multiple forms of prostitution.) Baldwin says, Here I am I can’t be the version of a man society programmed men and women to think a man SHOULD be. How can a black man be a man to anybody? It takes a very mature woman to realize a man isn’t defined by the money and status but the spirit and knowledge. As a 24 year old, finding a woman that values a man for being A MAN and not use a man for his money and status seems damn near impossible. Nikki says as long as we’re there for the child it’s acceptable. But to black men in our hearts our image of ourselves is tarnished to a point of our absence being a misguided advantage for the child. It’s a vicious cycle but we’ve ended up blaming each other for the cycle for so long that we no longer compromise the great or good of the family.

[@remainconfident1]

I wonder how women can be afraid of someone they say is absent. In 2023, single motherhood is championed by women saying I don’t need a man. It’s not about “family” anymore. It’s not about a “village”. It’s all about self in 2023 and still trying to demonize their own sons.

[@honeybozo]

Doesn’t matter that this is 53 years ago. Here, both Nikki & Jimmy are honest, vulnerable, open minded enough to listen and respond from integrity. That’s what it takes. And it’s revolutionary, as both are teachers. Now: over to you, in these yet to be United States.

[@LiquidFlux66]

The respect they have for each other is profound.Nicki seems enthralled by James.The ability to be poised, excellent mannerisms. Talk,laugh,listen. No clash of egos.The way a father and daughter would talk.The gems dropped in this conversation is timeless wisdom..

[@damiancagnolatti3224]

You have ninjas and black folks there is a difference

[@omairafigueroa9089]

❤

[@joelledavis4547]

There was some ego clashing especially on Baldwin's part

[@debrajenkins9211]

Very intoxicating. GOOD times!

[@fabiangroom3228]

As a non American this conversation is extremely fascinating and informative. I'm not sure when this was but it seems like it took place around the time after MLK was killed. You get the feeling of both resignation and hopelessness in the room. It must have been a very difficult time for black people. Today we've seen the first black president but still no woman yet. It seems like America is moving forward but also in circles at the same time. 🤔

[@maxwelltruesdalejr855]

A black man from America here and I’m 25 years of age and I’m here to tell you that as a society here in America we are moving g backwards. Adults don’t have these type of conversations anymore without yelling at each other. Young kids are dying even younger, education system is failing, we value social media more than actual human interaction. There are just so many things going on at one time it’s very difficult just to see the world around in chaos all the time

[@yakimalevy27]

Thank you for your insightfulness ❤

[@truth4618]

No matters the locations , slavery and colonization effects you in similar manners expressed by these two persons whether or not you know it ......The difference between the effects are rooted in the methods....if you are in Africa, they used tribalism and classism, in the west, they depraved their victims of fair and equal opportunities ....wherever you are, unless you are oppressor, you are affected by it

[@fats3231]

I know this is an old interview but I'm captivated by Ms Nikki's voice and image.

[@aarondigby5054]

Not all that extra from Giovanni, no tattoos, painful looking piercings, just clean and pure almost angelic. What's happened to. Our black women

[@tcrijwanachoudhury]

​@@aarondigby5054you happened

[@BG-lo1vi]

4th July 2024, Watching and absorbing.

[@rubylioness727]

I remember the first time I saw this. I was a kid. I’m 46 now! Didn’t know what I was watching at the time. Don’t remember how or why I was seeing it at that time but I remember my mother and her girlfriends discussing it. Very cool full circle moment because now I understand and everything they are discussing is still relevant and important today.

[@halfgazo]

I can't thank you enough for posting this.

[@ChattyPassenger]

You're so very welcome.

[@mrluvit8232]

fully agree!!! 💯 1 of the most pleasant conversations i've ever heard thank u for uploading this 😁👍

[@gaddisrathel7484]

“The more things change, the more they stay the same” James Baldwin

[@filmiam688]

Thank you so much for posting this. Such an amazing conversation ❤

[@richblount2862]

Very rare, beautiful stance of truth ❤

[@toumik4331]

1:14:45 such a profound moment. I love watching a conversation where both parties are invested in learning. You can see Baldwin's mind processing what is being said and his heart aching because it's true.

[@jasonstevens3071]

I’m guilty of this, so it made me really uncomfortable the first time I saw it. But, it’s 100% TRUE. Baldwin knew it too, which is why he had no rebuttal. Baldwin claims that if he loves her, he can’t lie to her, but that’s not true. In fact, men often argue the exactly opposite. Many men claim that love is the reason they DO lie, especially during periods of infidelity. So which one is it? Now, I agree that the human psyche needs to feel authentic in order to reconcile itself, but we have to find healthy ways to be authentic without submitting our wives to unnecessary emotional abuse. This is a HARD, POTENT, yet UNCOMFORTABLE truth that black men need to get on board with. We’re acting at work. We’re acting all day long with total strangers. We need to act the part at home too with our wife and kids. I’m a black man, and agree with this message 100%. It was a great discussion, one of the best dialogues I’ve ever seen! 💯🔥 Watch the whole thing. It’ll blow you away. Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2WygYymadhjqsU

[@Natures-Void]

Yesssss!!

[@freddyray6805]

And listening. Not trying to make a youtube shorts

[@LatauraGregory]

I absolutely love your response and insight. I have a question for you though, Do men lie when it comes to infidelity because they don't want to hurt their wives or significant others, or do they lie because they are lying to themselves about who they really are? The reason matters. I know it's been a while since you posted this response, but I am taken in by your reply.

[@StormGod-X]

​@@jasonstevens3071Like James said, the performance cannot be kept up all day. At some point it has to end. So what then?

[@EnsoHarter]

I literally watch this once a year. This is a conversation! Although Baldwin is an idol of Giovanni, but she STILL challenges him. Reminisce of Makeda, Queen of Sheba engaging in conversation with the ancient greats. Starting at 29:00 - Wooooo! Always gives me chills. Nikki is a real one.

[@wafabioty8593]

Here im August 2024 and im watching this beautiful talk

[@TravelwithTray1]

Came here after watching a now 80 year old Nikki Giovanni speak today. She is remarkable and has been for a very long time. She is still as quick witted, articulate and amazing today as she was in this video.

[@normalguy8550]

1:14:48 "Of course you can lie to me", this line is the reason why I decided to watch this video. I found this segment in an instagram reel and found it so interesting. I am glad to have been able to watch such an insightful conversation.

[@ChattyPassenger]

I'm glad you watched it too. It's such a thought provoking conversation.

[@BWCMediaNetwork]

Ive watched this several times since I came across it around a year and a half ago and altho I understand both sides I think her view on that particular topic is so ideological and almost dismissive of reality that its hard to relate ti. He's basically laying out a man broken by society and why he behaves how he behaves (right or wrong aside) and her solution is simply "well don't be broken society". He says well whos going to pay the rent and she says "the rent is going to get paid". He references where the baby is going to sleep or what its going to eat and shes it will sleep somewhere and eat something. Shes saying to just be there for her emotionally & physically but how can she expect a man to smile in her face when he cant feed her or the kid. Her sentiment is beautiful because she saying she doesn't see him as any less due to understanding his struggle but a man who cant face himself can absolutely not face his family.

[@mercynamikoye9084]

​@BWCMediaNetwork the statement as a woman and we say it to our men all the time infers is that especially as black and African women we mostly receive the worst parts of our men when they come home and they expect the best of us. And we are simply asking....why does your boss, your mates, the stranger on the street get you best but at home we get silence, anger, negativity and sometimes we even catch hands And that's what we mean when we say...if the other parties can get those happy sides why can't we also get a portion of that? Why does the man being himself imply showing me your woman only or rather majorly your dark, broken side. If the issue is provision she says that trust us and be with us well and believe you me that rent will get paid, the kids will get fed and your home will be fine. But even in 2024 we as black women are treated as the bottom of the barrel everywhere. So we said if you can't pretend then we are done

[@BWCMediaNetwork]

@mercynamikoye9084 Well I'm only speaking to the time of the conversation, not today because I believe if a man can't make money today then he's just a useless man. So let's compartmentalize the argument to a man in the 40s-60s that was actually facing overt racism on a daily basis, and also had the pressures of taking care of a family. Baldwin never excused his behavior, he is merely describing what creates the issue. To simply ask that man to "pretend" is literally asking him to die. It would be the same situation as a woman losing a baby and you telling her "pretend to be happy". That's simply not how life works. Before we are men or women we are human and that was his point that you can only expect a human to be pushed so far. If we believe that hurt people also hurt people then one could understand that being treated like literal trash while forced to smile is only going to create a monster and energy will always release in one way or another. The ultimate of which is suicide which has always been common among men. As for 2024 both men and women (I dare say especially women) are extremely privileged and spoiled that trying to compare life now to life then is extremely disrespectful but unfortunately everyone wants to feel like their issues are important. Black men and women back then had real issues to worry about. Black men and women today have superficial issues that we try to pass off as real and most can be solved with one's change in behavior today.

[@helenlena4513]

June 28, 2024 I tapped into this conversation between two people. In the 60's, 70's I studied, read their books, poems, and videos . "LIE TO ME" I can identify with my ancestors, siblings, relatives, and my own experiences. With the men we all try to encourage them. When they come home from work or can't seem to get hired. His demeanor is low and he's feeling frustrated. He srrounded by his family. His pockets are empty he begins to feels less than a man. Who can't support his 👪. The home environment becomes hostile. Everytime that man walks through the door with nothing to give. But the word hello I am a failure again. Wherefore "LIE TO ME" definitely creates a sense of. Don't come home and pretend your somebody that your not. Like you do in public. Because it's truly a lie and your wife or partner knows it. Who you are not. Hiding behind a fake smile and being polite. For the wrong reasons is tiresome for a long period of time. Because bk men have to work to get paid. This affords the owner of a company richer. Meanwhile the employees will accumulate an income that takes years to save enough money. To buy a car or home etc. That's not to say a man can also have those opportunities. College degrees and education levels is a requirement. Not all black man pay scales will make a decent salary. What economic requirements are in demand. Some men abounded the ship.. Arguements sometimes physical fights, and verbal abuse. This behavior breaks up the homes. The women in my family. Went on to raised their children without their husband's or baby daddies. Mother's can't teach her son to be a man. Daughter are missing a father in her life. This doesn't mean black men are weak. They just stop trying to believe they can achieve a chance to make it in this world. Liquor stores, drugs addicts, and prosecution behavior. Becomes the norm and escape. This isn't a good look. At the same time. What we see and hear. Help shape decision making ideas. What they want in life and what they don't want to happen in their own lives. Ma ma may have Papa may have but God bless the child who gets his own. This was a great respective point of views. According to James Baldwin, and NiKY Giovanni. Both of who I believe rightful receptive navagators about. Black people live in a diverse society. Whose checks and balances still remains uneven.

[@omotional]

Thank you for posting this 🖤

[@prometheus200]

The conversation is so honest I can’t imagine this on tv today.

[@JPMasonDun]

This was amazing!!! Loved it!

[@ntatemohlomi2884]

Whatever else goes wrong with social media, this here is its redeeming grace, this is right.

[@pongtrometer]

I fell in love with this conversation the first time I listened and watched it. Timelessly relevant.

[@goodgalriro]

I’ve seen this too many times

[@paulinebaylock8740]

Me too🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@delaneywalkerjr7421]

I would love to have a conversation like this with an elder an elder who has no bias and an unconditional love for his black people but is willing to criticize his people from a place of love

[@emiliog.4432]

James Baldwin is even more important today than ever. A brilliant observer and voice.

[@physicals]

James Baldwin, helped me understand life, thank you rip 🙏🏻

[@AbstractDivinity1]

This is a wonderful. A black feminist and a black gay man talking about black issues that are relevant today.

[@jmoxie4425]

He wasn't out yet here i don't think

[@AbstractDivinity1]

@@jmoxie4425 He was out and people knew.

[@ItsleeBoy]

I wish i could have this conversation with anyone. Or my loved ones. A nice sit down no one shouting. No talking over. Just listening and perspective.

[@neb3757]

This interview is shot so uniquely. 32:00 the discussion, to me, develops into a cathartic moment of inner tragedy. Stay with it. Its long.

[@jimmetesky6019]

This is too incredible to start watching at one in the morning....

[@user-tx9ux7fs4b]

This convo has been on my radar since 2017, this is my first time watching it in its totality. Beautiful convo and though James was doing most of the talking, Nikki dropped some serious words of wisdom.

[@CattyAttie]

"A cop is a cop. He may be a very nice man, but I haven't got the time to figure that out. All I know is he has a uniform and a gun, and I relate to him THAT way."

[@SneakerPhetish]

Who is here after listening to the Vince Staples album?

[@urstube6901]

YEZZIR, here again after years

[@imnotamon]

It hit too deep, I had to find the original

[@gwilliams4674]

Yep. Such a beautiful use of this conversation

[@ChefffX]

That track was way to powerful to not to find the whole convo

[@lil-j-waters]

fun fact: this exact piece of the conversation was sampled first in "birdsong" by billy woods

[@AJ803]

Feb 1, 2024 I am here.

[@LinearTactics]

Facts

[@mobens]

2024 ans still relevant could watch this for hours without getting bored

[@abdullahalmansour4339]

"There's two people in this world that are unlikeable, a master and a slave."

[@divinaito3282]

James was NOT hearing Nikki about the divide in the romantic relationship between a black man and a black woman that is breaking up the black family. He says love is irrational and she argues we MUST be rational about love, so in his logic to create a new type of child (generation). This also makes sense with his views of Christianity as a religion while in the same breath not understanding someone’s own relationship with Jesus as entity that pre-existed before the slave master twisted it and packaged it to fit his agenda. Hard but necessary part of the convo to watch. Still very relevant today.

[@berabosealinejoyce7639]

I still come back to this Conversation and it sounds new to me

[@derrickgriffines9050]

two beautiful souls discussing .. never heard more sweat heart,baby in a conversation like this .. i love it

[@ArtraAbraham]

Beautiful exchange of intimacy wrapped in intelligence, of relationships with self, with family, with God, and each other; it is appreciated always.

[@taryieini6470]

I am watching this July 20 2024, It’s still so relevant.

[@shantii8336]

topics like this will forever be timeless . I’m so glad i learned about these two and their words

[@richardcaines5372]

This a beautiful dialogue! We need to have more of these discussions. We should be unpacking where we are as a people in this country constantly and educating.

[@BrazilianGemini-tc6xv]

Watching in 2024 and still so powerful. Watching them have this intelligent and intellectual conversation about family, race, world, and politics.

[@camirrahcharles2493]

I stumbled across this just this morning and it brought me to tears, because of the raw passion, eloquent dialogue, and respect they had for one another. Its so many gems in the conversation that I went back two to three times to hear it again. This is so profound and Im glad i took the time to watch it.

[@lesetjaselala5293]

16 june in Pretoria 🥶❤ nikki has always been inspirational and james holding it down till the end of time.

[@RonRon18470]

Baldwin was one of the greatest intellectuals of all time. The way he analyzes and examines the struggle of Blacks and their struggles in American society is profound and exhilarating.

[@visionreal8270]

The energy of light in it's greatest form is COMMUNICATION, I.E. ON THIS LEVEL....CONVERSATION.

[@babygirlntando]

20 July 2024 still here. !!For some strange reason this interview brings me so much peace

[@broken.rhythm]

10th Of July 2024 and this video still has so much substance and value that the 21st century can benefit from

[@CommieApe]

James touching on the cultural pressures that incentivizes violence in men is so frickin real. He isnt afraid to face his humanity and address it head on without any kind of undue justification or hand waving.

[@streettalk4thesoul]

"The artist is free to do WHAT HE HAS TO DO." 🙏

[@juliantapia1407]

It's conversations like this that Really make me wish some people could see how much has changed, and how much hasn't. It's sometimes so hard to hear the Hope in certain people's voices for some of the simplest things, and knowing how far off the accomplishments would be.

[@tateprotege5438]

this is a conversation that is very important to be had in the chaotic world that we live in today, if not people need to listen to this conversation maybe they will see the world in a different light

[@sirslickthecool]

"The change of attitude that black people have about themselves" hearing it said outloud is awakening.

[@deanm7428]

Ngl I'm 43 and finally ready for James. I didn't have the experiences that only time and reality can provide to know the truth

[@natashalowery3224]

I want to see Nikki Giovanni comment on her 28 year old self. I’m so curious on what she has to say about this video and James Baldwin.

[@user-li1oq7bo9y]

The AMOUNT OF GEMS that were said through out this entire INTERVIEW IS JUST DO REFRESHING FOR THE MIND AND SOUL

[@aramidegillett4581]

I watched this in the summer of 2020, I was 22. I’m now 26 and it’s hitting deeper and harder. I hope I return to this in two years (and many times later in my life) when I am the same age as Nikki, because I feel her so much within myself! What a beautiful conversation.

[@jonellechristopher3209]

I like how she allows him to interrupt and correct her as an elder & one of the best thinkers of the last two centuries

[@nuggygillard795]

Wish we had more shows like this. The title is dope "Soul", in my generation we had teen summit to move forward conversations between generations

[@mayoucheghalil5722]

This a beautiful discussion of two great generations. It's amazing how many of their topics and opinions still resonate today. 🖤🖤🖤

[@djgiovanninsane]

This is an eye opening, meaningful, and much needed conversation, not just then, but today as well. It is so rewarding to see two intellectuals go back and forth, trading ideology, wit, knowledge, and willing to understand one another without yelling at one another trying to force their views on one another. You can tell they have the utmost respect for one another, in spite of the age difference. "A teacher who is not free to teach, is not a teacher"... - Baldwin

[@paulinebaylock8740]

Asé

[@ShiningEyeBrigade]

As many times as I have listened to him, and relistened to him, Mr. Baldwin”s brilliance and the punch and power of his speech leave me in awe. Ms. Giovanni is new to me and a delightful surprise as part of this dialog.

[@cleanwhite6527]

Watching July 2024. These are the conversations we need in our community. And we need to listen to each other openly and honestly.

[@TranquilRuckus]

No matter how many times I watch this, I still have the same enjoyment as it was the first time

[@kadifm]

I visit this conversation often

[@celestialbeing1630]

This conversation so f'kn good 🤲🏽✨️

[@lilbugge10]

NIKKIIIIIIIIIIII!!!! Oh my gosh what a legend, what a joy to listen to!! I cannot believe I've never heard of her until now ( well I can believe it but it's a shame )! What a gorgeous conversation and what a gorgeous clear powerful woman, love finding this stuff ❤

[@ThaDLoShow901]

I felt when she said he’ll figure it out because i began to see that as a man my presence was more important than bills. I then started seeing life totally different because then i began to realize that a man should depend on a another man to provide for my family.

[@zenzixx1222]

July 28th 2024 here for a beautiful conversation

[@TP-fq8wd]

Priceless conversation. ❤

[@FaeMilan]

17:43 when my work is needed il be there 🌬️ , thank you Nikki and Baldwin , grateful to stumble apon this 🌬️💫

[@CarlosMartinez-pc7je]

James is sooooo wise & intelligent

[@BrownPlaydoe]

I was not alive when this aired originally and just want to express gratitude for you uploading this 🙏🏾

[@1uplink169]

She is always so chill but not a pushover, I love her demeanor and presence. Simple, clean, feminine, smart and sweet.

[@Kikas_clemente]

That's a lovely conversation, they show so much respect to each other.

[@MrJoshbroady]

This video should have millions of views it’s an incredible conversation inside the mind of a man and woman in their true self. We would be much more understanding of each other if people spoke this way with each other. (In the way of wanting to learn from one another) I feel I understand both of there views without taking one’s side. But I also want to hear more from both of them… it’s like listening to wisdom… I could listen for hours. This is how conversations are meant to be had longform and comforting… Also, bigups to the video editor of this video… the camera angles and movements are super underrated.

[@dachildsupportgod8678]

Truly refreshing in 2023 thanks soul. And a very special thanks to the late James Baldwin and a gem of a woman Nikki Giovanni

[@jermaineturner7364]

50 years later this conversation is still relevant!