ANCESTRAL WITNESSES | James Baldwin and Audre Lorde: A Revolutionary Hope

December 4, 2014

Ancestral Witnesses: Literature and the African American Religious Imagination
James Baldwin and Audre Lorde: A Revolutionary Hope

The inaugural event for the Ancestral Witnesses series explored the intersections of religion and African American literature produced during the social upheavals of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements and their aftermath. The panels featured examined how black writers engaged religion in their efforts to imagine black liberation and human freedom, as well as how black religions have shaped African American literary visions. Our capacious understanding of religion is reflected in the writings and life experiences of literary figures themselves: James Baldwin and Audre Lorde.

Panelists at the event include:
Rich Blint, Columbia University
Alexis De Veaux, Author & Activist
Imani Perry, Princeton University
Moderating: Josef Sorett, Columbia University

Musical performances by:
Marti Newland, Singer, Core Lecturer in Music Humanities, Columbia University
Brandee Younger, Harpist