Program Description
Event Details
Join us for a lively and insightful conversation with Oak Park author Stan West on his book about the late, great gay African-American writer James Baldwin in James Baldwin's Black Lives Blues Are Mine. We will talk about James Baldwin, explore Black and LGBTQ issues, and connect to the present-day Black Lives Matter Movement. The program will be moderated by Al Cunningham, a Detroit-based writer with decades of experience in cultural and LGBTQ communities of color.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stan West is a working journalist with many years of experience in broadcast and print journalism. A documentarian who co-coordinates the Oak Park International Film Festival, West has written and co-authored several award-winning nonfiction books including Suburban Promised Land, about the early history of Black residents in Oak Park. He teaches writing, television and media literacy.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Stan West writes about James Baldwin's Black Lives Blues Are Mine: "The public story is how the late great gay African-American writer James Baldwin wrote about police brutality in the 20th century while living in self-imposed exile in France. The private story is how he might want me – a global Black journalist -- to write about police misconduct now during this viral, financial, racial reckoning through the lens of my straight, gay & trans family."
Disclaimer(s)
Virtual Program
After you register (below), you will receive an email with a specific Zoom link to join the event.
By registering, you agree to library policy and understand that no conduct is permitted that may reasonably be expected to create a disturbance or otherwise interfere with the safe use and enjoyment of the library and program by others. All times are listed in Central time.