Celebrate 100 years of James Baldwin (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) with selections from across the Free Library’s collections highlighting Baldwin’s work, influence, and legacy. On display outside the Social Science and History Department at Parkway Central Library, Love and Revolution: James Baldwin Speaks to Our Time highlights Baldwin’s influence on the Civil Rights Movement during his time and his influence on revolutionary thought today. 

In collaboration with the Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation, we selected materials from the Art Department, Fleisher Collection, Print and Picture Collection, Rare Book Department, Social Science and History Department, and the circulating collection that highlights Baldwin’s work and influence. These library materials are placed in conversation with art, poetry, and music that articulate Baldwin’s ongoing impact and underscore the continued importance of his work.

This display is part of a year-long celebration of James Baldwin and his literary, philosophical, cultural, artistic, and ideological legacy, in addition to his contributions to the revolutionary remaking of world humanity. The Year of James Baldwin: God’s Revolutionary Voice is a collaboration between the Free Library of Philadelphia's Education, Philosophy, and Religion Department; the Saturday Free School for Philosophy and Black Liberation — a collective that meets every Saturday to discuss social movements, politics, and the path ahead for humanity in a space outside of traditional higher education settings; and the Black Writers Museum. As part of the Year of James Baldwin, we have also been holding a weekly reading group at Parkway Central where we are working through No Name in the Street by James Baldwin. We are on a summer break for August, but keep an eye on our events page for upcoming reading group meetings. 

Stop by anytime during Parkway Central Library’s opening hours to view the display, which is up now and will continue through the end of September.