Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., is a Princeton professor and bestselling author of Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own. In this rousing final episode, Dr. Glaude delves into The Fire Next Time, Baldwin’s galvanizing condemnation of racism in America and how he consistently refuses to be pigeon-holed into one school of thought. Across his works, Baldwin addresses an incredible range of ideas and issues—many of which we still grapple with today—with a persistent message of hope, justice, and love. Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić caps off this episode with a segment on his friendship with iconic author Toni Morrison and Baldwin’s continuing legacy.

Ed Pavlić, Baldwin historian and Professor of English & African American Studies at UGA-Athens, describes how he became friends with the James Baldwin family and helped the film version of If Beale Street Could Talk happen. Ed also shares his research on Baldwin’s family relationships—especially with his brother David Baldwin—and the surprising lessons Ed discovered in getting to know the real James Baldwin through reading his personal letters.

Celebrated Hollywood actor and bestselling memoirist Billy Dee Williams goes behind the scenes about his friendship with James Baldwin and Baldwin’s love (and critique) of Hollywood. Then Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić dives into Baldwin’s love of cinema, his love/hate relationship with Hollywood, and his impact on American film culture.

Dr. Jessica B. Harris is a food historian, author of the memoir High on the Hog (which became a popular Netflix series) and personal friend of James Baldwin. In this fascinating episode, she talks about Baldwin’s move to France, the surprising and delightful role that food and hospitality played in his life and work, and what it was like to be roommates with Toni Morrison at Baldwin’s house in France and listen to him read the first draft of If Beale Street Could Talk out loud for the first time. Then Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić explores the importance of the radical “Welcome Table” concept Baldwin created at his house in France.

Reverend Danté Stewart, author of Shoutin’ In The Fire, brings us on an inspirational journey through James Baldwin’s faith and his relentless pursuit of finding and championing love and humanity in a world full of fear, hate, and grief. Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić caps off this episode with a segment on the role of Baldwin’s religious upbringing in his desire to promote hope and justice in his work.

Kevin Young, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, discusses James Baldwin’s burgeoning career as a writer and critic as well as his tortured relationship with his own sexuality and desire for love through the lens of his controversial second novel Giovanni’s Room. Then Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić reveals some surprising mentors and influences on Baldwin, including Zora Neale Hurston, Henry James, Richard Wright, Beauford Delaney, and others.

Bestselling author Roxane Gay explores the impact of The Great Migration and James Baldwin’s childhood in Harlem on his work, including his exceptional first novel Go Tell It On The Mountain. Then Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić gives a history of The Great Migration and its importance for Black culture and art.

On the debut episode of The Baldwin 100—a new series examining the life and work of iconic author and Civil Rights activist James Baldwin—we welcome Robert Jones Jr., former creator of the popular “Son of Baldwin” online community and bestselling author of the novel The Prophets. Here, Robert delves into who James Baldwin was and why he matters more than ever. Then Baldwin historian Ed Pavlić talks about what it's like to teach James Baldwin these days, and why his works are just as relevant now as when they were first published.

Join us for THE BALDWIN 100, a brand new podcast celebrating the life and works of the iconic author James Baldwin. This season features interviews with Roxane Gay, Billy Dee Williams, Eddie S. Glaude Jr., and many more. First episode drops on Tuesday July 13!