7-2 Final Project

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Cray 1 Southern New Hampshire University 7-2 Final Project Unveiling Layers of Identity: Race, Religion, and Love in James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time Brittney Cray Professor Burgess LIT 399 10 December 2023

Cray 2 Annotated Bibliography 1.) Ferriter, Courtney. “The Uses of Race and Religion: James Baldwin’s Pragmatist Politics in The Fire Next Time.” James Baldwin Review, vol. 2, Jan. 2016, pp. 126–39. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.48664491&site=eds-live&scope=site. Annotation: I found this source through Shapiro Library by simply searching the book title and author and then filtering the results for peer-reviewed material. I only have access to this library because I am currently enrolled at SNHU. This article delves into the themes of race, religion, and democracy as discussed by James Baldwin in The Fire Next Time. Baldwin's argument, which maintains that the American dream remains unrealized because there are aspects of American society that people prefer to ignore, is examined in the context of the contemporary political climate in the United States. The source offers a comparative analysis between James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates, who is often considered Baldwin's successor. This comparison can aid me in distinguishing the unique aspects of Baldwin's perspective and how it might offer a different lens through which to view the chosen literary text. The source directly addresses critical themes and ideas present in James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time, specifically focusing on race, religion, and democracy. Since my project centers on understanding the cultural and historical context of your chosen literary text, this source offers insights into how Baldwin's work explores these themes and their impact on American society. 2.) Hove, Muchativugwa Liberty. “Intersections of Masculinity, Sexuality, Nationality, and Racial Identity in James Baldwin.” Cultural Studies/Critical Methodologies, vol. 23, no. 1,

Cray 3 Feb. 2023, pp. 79–86. EBSCOhost, https://doi- org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1177/15327086221105039. Annotation: I found this source by searching Shapiro Library for "The Fire Next Time James Baldwin Civil Rights" and filtering for scholarly results. I was able to access this content unlike other sources I clicked on that told me "Your subscription does not include this content." The source is highly relevant to The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. It discusses Baldwin's multifaceted identity, addressing his contributions to racial and national identities through works like The Fire Next Time and his exploration of homosexuality in novels like Giovanni’s Room. These themes closely align with Baldwin's writings, making this source particularly pertinent for understanding his work. The source delves into the intersectionality of Baldwin's identity, touching on aspects like race, queer literature, migration, civil rights, politics, and the role of the artist. This breadth of discussion can provide a comprehensive view of how Baldwin's work intersects with various facets of society and culture. 3.) Farred, Grant. “Love Is Asymmetrical: James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time.” Critical Philosophy of Race, vol. 3, no. 2, July 2015, pp. 284–304. EBSCOhost, https://doi- org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.5325/critphilrace.3.2.0284. Annotation: I also found this journal article in my search of “The Fire Next Time James Baldwin Civil Rights" through Shapiro Library. The source explores an essential thematic element within Baldwin's work, which is love. The source's focus on love as a philosophical contemplation aligns with Baldwin's emphasis on love as a transformative force. Understanding love from a philosophical perspective can provide insights into the profound themes and messages within Baldwin's text.

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Cray 4 The source draws from a diverse range of references, including the Bible, Jacques Derrida, and various Baldwin critics. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive examination of Baldwin's work, connecting it with theological, philosophical, and literary perspectives. This approach can help enrich understanding of how Baldwin's writing transcends single genres or disciplines. Utilizing this source in my research can provide valuable insights into the philosophical underpinnings of love within The Fire Next Time. It offers a deeper exploration of the text's themes, contributing to your analysis of its cultural and historical context, and highlighting the philosophical aspects of love as presented by James Baldwin in his work. 4.) Sinykin, Dan. “The Apocalyptic Baldwin.” Dissent (0012-3846), vol. 64, no. 3, Summer 2017, pp. 15–19. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1353/dss.2017.0066. Annotation: I found this through Shapiro Library by searching “James Baldwin Biography” The source delves into various facets of James Baldwin's life and work, making it a valuable resource for understanding the author's perspective, experiences, and goals. It discusses key elements of his literary and social contributions. This source also highlights Baldwin's views on a range of interconnected topics, including American normative sexuality, nationalism, capitalism, racial discrimination, and the relationship between capitalism and racism. These intersections can provide a nuanced understanding of the socio-cultural milieu during Baldwin's era, shedding light on the factors that influenced his writing.

Cray 5 5.) Matlin, Daniel. “‘A New Reality of Harlem’: Imagining the African American Urban Future during the 1960s.” Journal of American Studies: JAS, vol. 52, no. 4, Nov. 2018, pp. 991– 1024. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1017/S0021875817000949. Abstract: The Fire Next Time was published in 1963 and tells of Balwin’s life growing up in Harlem. To add historical context to my research outside of the text itself, I searched Shapiro for “Harlem 1960s” to get an outside perspective on what was happening culturally there in that time. The source can be instrumental in my research by offering insights into the competing visions and architectural reimaginings of Harlem during the 1960s. Exploring these visions and their impact on the built environment of Harlem provides a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and urban dynamics at play during the period when Baldwin's text was published. This enhanced contextual understanding can enrich my analysis of The Fire Next Time by helping me interpret how the neighborhood and the broader issues it represents are portrayed in the book.

Cray 6 Annotated Visualization

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Cray 7

Cray 8 Analytical Essay The focus of this Annotated Visualization centers on exploring the complex relationships between literature, history, and society within James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time . By incorporating diverse visual elements, such as the sheet music of the spiritual song "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign," the NORC survey table, and a revealing quote about Baldwin's personal connections, the visualization provides a multi-layered lens through which to interpret the text. Additionally, future visualizations are considered, such as photos of the Harlem riot of 1964 and a map of Christian churches in Harlem during the 1960s. The Annotated Visualization of James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time employs diverse visual elements and integrates insights from scholarly sources to explore the intricate relationships between literature, history, and society, emphasizing the cultural, historical, and personal dimensions within Baldwin's work and making a compelling case for the critical role of literature in shaping societal awareness and discourse. The sheet music of "God Gave Noah the Rainbow Sign" serves as a cultural artifact that links the spiritual song to the title of Baldwin's book. This connection emphasizes the role of religion in the African-American experience and underlines the significance of spirituals in expressing the collective aspirations, struggles, and resilience of the community. Baldwin's assertion, "If the concept of God has any validity or any use, it can only be to make us larger, freer, and more loving. If God cannot do this, then it is time we got rid of Him" (47), resonates with the thematic exploration of the sheet music and reinforces the idea that religion, for Baldwin, should be a force that fosters collective growth, freedom, and love within the African American community, aligning with the cultural and spiritual dimensions emphasized in the

Cray 9 analysis of the spiritual song. The visualization, therefore, serves as a bridge between the literary narrative and the broader cultural and religious contexts. The NORC survey table delves into the historical dimension, capturing the sentiments of white individuals in 1963 regarding African Americans and the civil rights movement. This quantitative data contextualizes the societal attitudes prevalent during the period in which Baldwin wrote. Ferriter's insight, "Baldwin discusses democracy as an act that must be realized, in part by coming to a greater understanding of race and religion as performative acts that have political consequences for all Americans" (1), aligns with the analysis of the NORC survey table, highlighting the historical context of Baldwin's exploration of race and societal dynamics, and emphasizing the political implications of race and religion in the broader American context during the 1960s. The survey becomes a historical artifact that contributes to the critical analysis of the text, highlighting the challenges and struggles addressed by Baldwin in his exploration of race and societal dynamics. The quote about Baldwin's connection to Harlem and France introduces a personal and geographical layer, offering insights into the author's complex identity and the influences shaping his work. Harlem, as his heart, and France, as his home and final resting place, become integral components of the narrative. The visualization, through this quote, contextualizes the author's motivations and inspirations, providing readers with a deeper understanding of Baldwin's literary contributions. The inclusion of photos depicting the Harlem Riot of 1964 in the Annotated Visualization serves as a crucial element in amplifying the visual narrative. These images become potent artifacts that not only contribute to the historical context but also vividly illustrate the societal tensions and struggles that Baldwin addresses in his work. By capturing the visual upheaval of

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Cray 10 the riot, the Annotated Visualization provides a visceral connection to the broader socio-political climate of the 1960s. This addition complements the existing visual elements, such as the sheet music and the NORC survey table, by offering a tangible representation of the challenges and unrest that permeated Harlem during the period, thus further enriching the audience's understanding of the complex relationships between literature, history, and society within Baldwin's narrative. The integration of a map showcasing the Christian churches in Harlem during the 1960s into the Annotated Visualization aligns with the complex interplay among literature, history, and society. This visual element becomes a significant contributor to the exploration of the intricate relationships between literature, history, and society within James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time . The map serves as a spatial representation of the religious and cultural landscape that Baldwin navigated, providing insights into the diversity and significance of Christian institutions in Harlem during that era. Farred's perspective, "The duty asymmetrical love imposes will require going beyond, outside and against the strictures of the church in which he was raised and the Harlem church in which he preached as a teenager" (301), enriches the analysis of the map showcasing Christian churches in Harlem, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges Baldwin faced in navigating religious and cultural spaces. By mapping out these churches, the visualization not only contextualizes the religious fabric within the community but also underscores the profound influence of religion on African-American experiences—a theme central to Baldwin's narrative. This addition, alongside other visual components and scholarly insights, contributes to a holistic understanding of the multifaceted connections between literature, historical context, and societal dynamics in Baldwin's literary work.

Cray 11 This Annotated Visualization, by incorporating both visuals and scholarly insights, demonstrates the critical role of literature in society. It serves as a vehicle for examining and challenging societal norms, fostering a deeper understanding of complex relationships between literature, history, and society. Baldwin's work becomes a mirror reflecting the cultural and historical contexts, making a powerful case for the continued relevance of literature in shaping critical discourse and societal awareness. This project exemplifies how a visual, Digital Humanities approach creates new avenues for reading and discussing literary texts. The Annotated Visualization becomes a dynamic tool, offering audiences a richer and more immersive experience, inviting them to engage with the cultural, historical, and societal nuances embedded in Baldwin's The Fire Next Time .

Cray 12 Works Cited Baldwin, James. The Fire Next Time . Penguin Classics, 1990. Baldwin, Trevor. “James Baldwin: My Uncle and His Love Life.” HuffPost, 29 Sept. 2014, www.huffpost.com/entry/james-baldwin-my-uncle-an_b_5634524. Farred, Grant. “Love Is Asymmetrical: James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time.” Critical Philosophy of Race , vol. 3, no. 2, July 2015, pp. 284–304. EBSCOhost, https://doi- org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.5325/critphilrace.3.2.0284. Ferriter, Courtney. “The Uses of Race and Religion: James Baldwin’s Pragmatist Politics in The Fire Next Time.” James Baldwin Review , vol. 2, Jan. 2016, pp. 126–39. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx? direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.48664491&site=eds-live&scope=site. Jackson, Mia. “Once a Force in Harlem, the Oldest Black Church in New York Hangs On.” The New York Times , 18 Aug. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/08/18/realestate/mother-ame- zion-church-harlem-nyc.html?auth=login-google1tap&login=google1tap. Lo Wang, Hansi. “New York’s ‘Night of Birmingham Horror’ Sparked a Summer of Riots.” NPR , 18 July 2014, www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/07/18/330108773/new-yorks- night-of-birmingham-horror-sparked-a-summer-of-riots . Robertson, Stephen. “Churches.” Digital Harlem Blog, 4 Mar. 2019, drstephenrobertson.com/digitalharlemblog/maps/churches. Sheatsley, Paul B. "White attitudes toward the Negro." Daedalus (1966): 217-238. Son, J. W. Pepper And. Autoharp Music Collection (Autoharp Book&Nbs | J.W. Pepper Sheet Music. www.jwpepper.com/Autoharp-Music-Collection/11332194.item.

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