In-person tickets to this program are sold out. Register to attend the talks on YouTube! Celebrate the new publication God Made My Face: A Collective Portrait of James Baldwin, edited by acclaimed curator, author, and educator Hilton Als. At this symposium, art historians, artists, and writers will gather to reflect on Baldwin’s profound legacy through a full afternoon of talks. The day culminates with a performance by bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello and her band of The Gospel of James Baldwin, a tribute that at once evokes a church service, celebration, and call to action.  

Schedule

2 pm: Welcome
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Anne Pasternak, Brooklyn Museum

2:15 pm Opening invocation
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Jacqueline Woodson

2:30–3:30 pm: Sex in the City: James Baldwin and the Politics of the Queer Life Then and Now
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Stephen Best, Daphne Brooks, John Keene, and Hilton Als

3:30–4:30 pm: God Made My Face: Visual Artists on Baldwin
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Garrett Bradley, Glenn Ligon, Kandis Williams, and Thelma Golden

4:30 pm: Closing remarks
Auditorium, 3rd Floor

5–6:30 pm: Reception and book signing 
Beaux-Arts Court, 3rd Floor

7–8:30 pm: Performance: The Gospel of James Baldwin
Auditorium, 3rd Floor
Meshell Ndegeocello, with Chris Bruce, Justin Hicks, Nio Levon, Kenita Miller, and Jake Sherman

The publication and symposium are made possible through leadership support from 

Tickets are $25 ($15 Members) for the talks, $40 ($24 Members) for the performance, and $50 ($30 Members) for both. Discounts are applied at checkout. Not a Member? Join today!

Register in advance and pay what you wish to join us on YouTube for the 2–5 pm programming (the performance will not be livestreamed). Your contribution supports our dynamic public programs.

Add a copy of God Made My Face: A Collective Portrait of James Baldwin at checkout. 

This program will include ASL interpretation. For access needs, email us at access@brooklynmuseum.org.

This event may be broadcast or otherwise recorded and/or publicized. By attending this event, you grant the Museum permission to use and reproduce your image and/or likeness in any live or recorded transmission or other Museum activities.