During my sophomore year of high school my English teacher invited me and about 4 or 5 other students to attend a question and answer session with the incomparable James Baldwin. At this point I had read several of his books and was in awe of the man. I immediately jumped at the opportunity not underscoring my gratitude in the fact that my teacher thought I was worthy of this honor. We all piled into my teacher’s car and made the trek a few miles down the road to Nassau Community College. We were the only high schoolers in attendance. In retrospect, I believe my teacher did not want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity and couldn’t call in sick, so she conjured up a class trip with an elite number of students to cover her behind. As a former teacher, I ain’t mad at her (smile).
The session was great. Here was this refined man, well traveled and renowned throughout the world, yet he graciously took the time to speak at a small community college. How classy of him.
I was eager to ask a question but the session was winding down and I didn’t think it would be possible. My teacher encouraged me and nudged me forward so that I could be seen. Then it happened, Mr. Baldwin called on me. I would be lying if I told you that I remember what I asked. I do remember being a bundle of nerves. Somehow, I managed to speak with clarity and confidence. His face piqued with interest as he noticed how young I looked in comparison to the other students. Before answering my question he asked, “How old are you and what grade are you in?” I responded, “I’m 15 and in the 10th grade.” He flashed his iconic broad smile and said, “Well, you are the youngest person in attendance and yet, you have asked the most intelligent question.” Then he proceeded to answer my question.
I don’t think I heard his response to my question. I was so stuck on the fact that he complimented me that I was floating on cloud nine. My teacher was proud of me. We were all buzzing in the car on the way back to school.
Sadly, Mr. Baldwin passed away 3 years later. I would not get to tell him as an adult how much his compliment impacted me. It gave me the courage to write my senior thesis on the irony in Another Country, one of his acclaimed books. His writings, speeches, debates and work with the civil rights movement will forever be emblazened in the lights of history. Rest in love and in peace Mr. James Baldwin.
A Paige from my Book 