Today, marks the anniversary of the February 18, 1965 debate between James Baldwin and William Buckley Jr. at Cambridge. In 2021, as we view this debate regarding the question, “Is the American dream achieved at the expense of the American Negro?”, we have to ask ourselves“how much has really changed?” and “have we adequately faced everything that requires change?”. While the debate includes adversaries of James Baldwin arguing points that are economic in nature as a way to deny the expense of Black people in America, the debate highlights the continued popular attitude that solutions regarding racism and oppression may be solved by economic attainment and more “seats at the table”. Well, James Baldwin overwhelmingly wins the debate by highlighting the power dynamic that propels racism and the reality of economics alone not adequately summarizing or addressing racism.

The reality is that while the rate of African-Americans having a high level of education, raised income levels and development of businesses may increase, this has not changed the reality that racism is alive and thriving. This is evident although experiencing eight years of the first Black US president, Barack Obama in the White House (one change since 1965), however African-Americans as a collective continue to disproportionately be affected by higher incarceration rates, poor health outcomes, educational disparities, high unemployment and mortality rates. The progress of a few has not and can not represent the sum of the whole, as oppression continues to devastate the Black community. The profundity and complexity of racism is our reality. And, to deny this reality allows inequity and racism to intensify and strengthen in its pervasiveness.

We are grateful to the eloquence and accuracy of James Baldwin’s words in 1965. His thoughts relate and resonate to the realities that we still face today. May his spirit encourage us to continue speaking the truth and not be swayed by the smoke and mirrors that are produced to distract us. The struggles of our ancestors continue to be our struggles. It is important that we not forget the lessons that our ancestors have provided to arm us in the ongoing struggle.

Happy Black History Month!

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin