Join us for a celebration of the legendary James Baldwin at a special edition of LIT Lounge Live at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.

Hosted by Publisher and Television Host Mocha Ochoa, this program will feature an in-depth conversation with acclaimed author, filmmaker, educator, and professor MK Asante. Together, they will delve into Baldwin's enduring legacy, his profound impact on literature and activism, and how his work inspires new generations of writers and thinkers. Asante's book Nephew: A Memoir in 4 Part Harmony is a nod to Baldwin, whose The Fire Next Time was written as a letter to his nephew.     

Program Highlights

• Exploration of Baldwin's Life and Work: Professor MK Asante and Mocha Ochoa will discuss Baldwin's most influential works, including The Fire Next Time. They will explore the roots of racism and the possibility of change through Baldwin's passionately argued essays on religion, justice, and the Black experience in America. 

• MK Asante's Perspective: As an author whose work often echoes the themes Baldwin championed, MK will share his connection to Baldwin's writings and how Baldwin has influenced his creative journey, particularly in Nephew: A Memoir in 4 Part Harmony. 

• Interactive Audience Q&A: Be an active part of the conversation! Viewers can participate in a live Q&A session, asking MK Asante and Mocha Ochoa their burning questions about Baldwin's legacy and its relevance today. This is your chance to engage with the speakers and contribute to the discussion.