Dear Reader,

This year, more than ever, I wanted to honor Black History Month, at a time when attempts have been made to erase it. So I invited my friend Terry Newby to help me do that. As a white woman in America, I loved literature, but I did not grow up reading many marginalized voices. While I knew the name James Baldwin, I couldn't have told you what he stood for. And now? I know him as a Black man and a gay author. And what else? I've admired his interview clips. He feels important. How do I talk about his contributions, beyond a surface level?

I'm no expert in Black literature. I'm still very much learning. But this is knowledge that Terry brings.

In this episode of Courageous Wordsmith, Terry and I discuss the enduring influence of James Baldwin, his struggle with identity, major works, and his critical love for America.

I appreciate how James Baldwin led the way as an author, refusing to be someone that he was not, nor a stereotype of the richly gifted person he was. Baldwin didn't parse words. And because he grounded us so fully in his experience, I can extrapolate. I can learn where I stand and maybe take steps in another direction. And I loved seeing where Terry came from as a writer, with Baldwin as one of his key influences.

I hope you'll listen as Terry introduces the James Baldwin he knows: one of Terry's key influences as a writer.

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Think fast: If you enjoy this conversation and you're in Minnesota, you can see a play by Terry this Friday, February 28 at 7:00. Landmark Center in St. Paul is staging an encore performance of Little Rock, 1942, by Terrance Newby and James Lundy. Terry not only co-wrote this play, but he's in it. I saw the premiere and I learned so much. Seriously good.

Buy your tickets in advance here. Only $10, only one night.

Travel safely.

So much love to you,

Amy

PS—If you happen to want to write, you might reach out to me. I'm supporting people JUST LIKE YOU (well, you know, nobody is just like you, but...) in shaping the stories that they feel called to bring into the world.

You know, healing stories... the kind we all thirst for and need at this moment.

Or check out my website for options.