Q&A with Aberjhani discussion

“Why is James Baldwin the only African-American author that you have a Pinterest board for?”--from “Pinterest Pal” through my Bright Skylark website.

If I could afford the time I would probably have dozens of boards set up for many authors, musicians, and artists––African-American and otherwise–– that I admire. The Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance board actually acknowledges many African-American authors of the period.

I requested (and also worked on) the board for James Baldwin because cultural arts organizations in New York and around the country have declared this “The Year of James Baldwin” in honor of his 90th birthday. I wanted the board to show my support for that initiative because it is extremely rare that you see an African-American male author receive that kind of recognition. In fact, I believe this is a first. The closest I’m aware of that we have come to doing so previously was the recognition in 2003 of the centennial for the publication of Souls of Black by W.E.B. Du Bois. My publication of my own book The Wisdom of W.E.B. Du Bois was part of that celebration. I can’t knock out an entire book in time for “The Year of James Baldwin” festivities but I could do the Pinterest board (yes, with a little help) and I hope to publish an essay in honor of it as well.

Those who would like to can check the board out here:
http://www.pinterest.com/aaberjhani/2...

Aberjhani