James Baldwin

Why James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time Still Matters

For James Baldwin (1924-1987), the fundamental premises of American society needed revisiting. How we might view #BlackLivesMatter through his lens.
Harpers Ferry illustration

John Brown: Feared Fanatic or Freedom Fighter?

Murderous terrorist fanatic or freedom fighter? No figure in American history raises that question more than John Brown.
V.S. Naipaul

V.S. Naipaul’s Defense of Civilization

As a public figure, V.S. Naipaul is often outrageous, but his 30+ books speak eloquently in defense of civilization. 
Bill Cosby sitting across from Lisa Bonet

Not Quite Right: The Father Daughter Dynamic in the Cosby Show

The father daughter dynamic in Cosby's show reveals how enmeshed we are in rape and misogynistic culture.
Poet Tomas Tranströmer in black and white

Tomas Tranströmer’s Final Interview

Read poetry and essays on Tomas Transtromer.
Nelson Mandela with his right fist raised

Nelson Mandela’s Release

February 11th marks a quarter century since the release of Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)