Shared Centennial

VERSION: August 2, 2024

I am initiating this post is on the centennial of the birth of James Baldwin (August 2, 1924). It will be updated between now and the centennial of Amílcar Cabral's birth (September 12, 1924).

I recently noticed that the two men were born in the same summer. Neither is thought of as a musician, but both were poets, and their contributions are relevant to the way this course approaches world music.

A good starting point for learning about Baldwin is "On the centennial of his birth, James Baldwin remains relevant today" -- a short conversation from today's NPR's Morning Edition. I also recommend his interview with Terry Gross, which she rebroadcast on Fresh Air for the occasion of this centennial. 

Regarding Cabral, to begin I sharing Cabral ka Mori (Cabral is Not Dead), a song that was produced by my friend and BSU colleague Angelo Barbosa to honor this centennial. Many more songs are forthcoming in this project. We will have much more to share about this project. The title itself is a reminder that something that is very poetic in one language might appear less elegant in translation.

I also recommend the Wikipedia article about each of them -- James Baldwin and Amílcar Cabral for some basic facts about them and their work.  

We will have much more to say about why Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) is so important to our region of Southeastern Massachusetts. The Tale of Two Capes museum exhibit by 2023 BSU graduate Carolyn King tells part of the story.

I will be adding resources about both men to this particular post, and will invite students in The Planet Sings to draw their own comparisons. Please check the version date at the top of this post when you return.

Lagniappe 

An example -- Regresso by Amilcar Cabral in English and Portuguese