James Baldwin was arguably America’s greatest novelist and perhaps our greatest essayist. At seventeen years old, Baldwin left the church after being a youth preacher for three years. Yet, the Black church never left him. Baldwin saw himself as a witness in the Old Testament sense as a witness for The Truth. Baldwin believed that every generation must prepare those who follow to stand up for justice.

    In 2024 we live in a critical turning point in America’s history. People, through their actions and voices, are deciding the future. Baldwin reminds us prophetically, especially in 2024, that despite the complexities and ambiguities of life, community is our safety, and love is the key to our becoming new people.

   Please join us on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church to celebrate the life and prophetic voice of James Baldwin which reminds us that it is time for our better angels to prevail and become Beloved Community.