Let's Celebrate Tonight with a Spontaneous "Mike's Movie Night" and Watch Raoul Peck's Documentary Masterpiece, the Oscar-Nominated I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO
Hello everyone! Michael Moore here. Once again thanks for joining me on the 100th birthday of James Baldwin. And thank you for sharing the evening with me as we watched this incredible film by the director Raoul Peck. I don't know how many times I've seen this, but each time I am as moved by it as the first time I saw it some nine years ago. I'm curious to hear your initial and immediate reactions... Please share...
Hi Michael! I am very much enjoying your posts, and in the spirit of James Baldwin on his 100th birthday I hope you would have a serious look at Stepping Stone EDU on https://sidogger.com/stepping-stone-edu/ Our founding goal is to bring Equality and prosperity to millions of indebted Students and thier families by making use of 10's of 1000's of patents paid for by Student fees, Tax payers dollars and Donations, 98% of which has been wasted and squandered by the Higher Education system. Our records clearly show Billions have been wasted resulting in Trillions in lost GDP while millions of Students who worked on them while in school routinely graduate with little hope of finding employment in thier field of study, buried often in insurmountable Student loan debt. Ours is a well defined plan to create millions of new jobs and stimulate the economy that is still in need of its Champion. I hope we might chat soon about you filling that roll! My HERO, keep up the good fight! I know we will! Thanks for all you do!
A few hours ago, Kamala Harris, after a virtual vote amongst convention delegates, became the official nominee of the Democratic Party for the President of the United States — a historic moment. Watching this film at this moment stirs a lot of thoughts inside of me. I'm curious how the rest of you are feeling about something just one month ago we never expected to be dealing with in 2024, and that we may be just a few months away from having our first woman president. And hopefully not too many more weeks away from stopping the slaughter in Gaza that is being paid for with our tax dollars and executed with our bullets. After meeting Netanyahu, after dissing him by boycotting his hateful speech in our Congress, she came out and stood in front of a microphone and said "I will not be silent." Are we hopeful? What should we be doing?
Re: Gaza and Harris, I think the main difference between her and Biden will be of style only: she may be a tad less timid to raise an eyebrow over the latest massacre. The enormous pressure from the Zionists, the Genocidaires and the military-industrial-Congressional complex will continue to push whoever's in charge to "finish the job".
I read Going To Meet The Man back a year ago for my college literature class. I almost threw up. Before reading that, I knew about lynchings in concept but I had never really understood what they were like. But the real kicker of that story that was vomit inducing to me was the fact that some white sheriff used that memory to get it up for his wife. Like that got him all excited. As a straight, white man, I am completely embarrassed for my race in what we used to do to other members of our species in our own country. We love to talk about "freedom" and "liberty" in the US but really at the end of those discussions there should be an asterisk and the footnote, "Some restrictions may apply. Check your skin color for details." In the 21st century, every white man should feel overwhelming shame for the actions of people that came before us and that shame should move us to do whatever we can to keep it from happening again, as well as making up for what has already been done (reparations).
An excellent book is “How to be an ANTIRACIST” by Ibram X. Kendi (NY Times Bestseller) - Love can be your “color”, as the song goes - we cannot change the past. As you said, live w/purpose to make life better for ALL.
We must “check our privilege” in any situation too!
I listened to the audiobook of that a couple years ago. It definitely made me think about how I approach racial issues. I also bought “The Anti Racist Baby” for my then-future child.
Joyce Smith, Re: the above AOL Notification - I wish to remain anonymous - but I was re-acting to a comment by a contributor about the Concept of the Promise of America - The HOPE of America as expressed in the Constitution, represents the aspiration to be "ONE NATION UNITED UNDER GOD", recognizes the collectively what we aspire to be - we are not there yet, but....
Thank you, everyone, for sharing this evening with me and James Baldwin. Thank you, Raoul Peck, for making this masterpiece. Thank you, Samuel L. Jackson, for narrating the voice of James Baldwin. Please everyone, share this film with others. Make sure your kids see it someday. It's "everybody off the bench" time in America. Hope to see you around the country in the coming months. Please do not despair. Rise up, come alive, be kind, be fierce. We can do this. There's more of us than there are of them — and they know it. They're just hoping we don't. Be well. — Michael
I’ve shown this film to many high school students. I’m not sure that would be allowed today, but we had many substantial discussions in my classes. Baldwin was a genius and we were blessed to have had him among us. Thank you for honoring him, Michael.
Not so spontaneous, as I've been planning today for 5 months! I'm leading a bike ride in Portland, Oregon to celebrate Baldwin's life and passions.
We will start at the library, Baldwin's first sanctuary. The ride will explore theater, jazz, economic disparity, red lining, and more. We will hear speakers from the publishing, queer theater, and black liberation worlds. quotes from some of Baldwin's best interviews and a sound system will play us jazz as we roll across town. We conclude the ride at a vinyl shop that's staying open late for us. There, I'll be giving away some of his books and sharing my sticker collection.
I read a lot about the downsides of technology — social media in particular — but this is a shining example of how it can be used to bring people together and celebrate “the good in us,” as Mary Trump says.
As a fellow Michigander, I’ve been a big fan of your work since the “Roger & Me” days. Thank you for all you do to make the world a better, safer, more humane place. 💙💙💙
I’m not a part of your country… I have no real understanding of your combined histories…
and my own country has definite parallels in terms of a history of continued abuse, systemic lies, public stupidity and naivety…
I’m not even sure what I am trying to say.
Other than always considering Dorito Don a completely deluded wanker, and obviously a corrupt narcissistic criminal, it’s never really hit me in the guts… until a little over a week ago and I’ve been falling down the rabbit hole ever since.
For context… I have lived almost 50 years without ever feeling “political”. An autistic/adhd kid fumbling through the world, spenind most of my focus masking and trying to stay hidden and not become a target.
But there’s something in this election of yours that makes me, feel like… I don’t know…
Angry.
Angry at myself… angry at the intricacy of each of the ex English-founded countries tried and tested cross generational systems… angry at the media… angry at every fucking docile dickwad who doesn’t get it.
I honestly hope, that many within the USA finally have a similar experience and do their utmost to educate themselves and finally begin to help get this planet back on track.
I can honestly say… I do not think I would have had the inner strength and fortitude to survive if I were born in the USA and anything other than “white”.
As a white kid who became of age in the 60's and who grew up on a "ridge" (military kid) between two worlds, I always admired James Baldwin. I have read him extensively and adored him as a man and as a writer of great repose,; I would loved to have him to lunch (above all others) to listen to him and peer at that magnificent face. You would be welcomed also, Michael. My admiration can go two ways. R Seaman
Agree on Pete, but I think Kamala will need to be pragmatic: i.e., go for the pick that will pull in a swing state: AZ Sen Kelly or PA Gov Shapiro, although I'd hate to lose anybody out of the Senate.
On the other hand -- A debate between Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear and fake-"hillbilly" J.D. Vance would be epic, and possibly physical.
Shapiro could be a losing choice, in my opinion, based on his attitude about peaceful protests on college campuses re: GENOCIDE of Palestinians/Gaza. Harris (“, la”) will make the BEST choice for HER - someone she can rely on (+has a connection with) for the next 8 years!!
James Baldwin was a truth seeker and a truth teller. I saw this film years ago (it seems to have been updated in places) and the line that has always stayed with me as a revelation: (paraphrased) is
“American history is Black history.”
So true. There is no America without Black America. There is no American history without the story of how this country treats black (and indigenous) people, then and now. That is our struggle. That is our karma. We have a long way to go. This film will always be relevant.
Thank you, Mike, for a much deserved celebration of James Baldwin. Does anyone still think reparations and profound apologies are not needed after seeing this movie? Nothing can fundamentally change until we face our history.
I believe both are needed and can be accomplished. We are talking about our basic humanity. My grandfather was born three years after the Civil War. That's how NOT long ago the enslavement of our fellow human beings took place. I've never seen this as an old problem that I have no responsibility for fixing. I, as with most other white people, have in some way benefited from the way our country was originally founded — birthed in genocide and built on the backs of kidnapped and tortured human beings. There are ways still in which we can level the playing field and ensure justice.
I’m reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson right now, and it is illuminating my own place as a white woman (dalit, but over dalit people of color). The emphasis on purity in matters of caste is touched on in this film, too. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to continue exploring all of this.
And please watch Ava DuVernay's brilliant film from this past year entitled ORIGIN. It is based on Wilkerson's book "Caste". It is as powerful as what we watched tonight.
Hello everyone! Michael Moore here. Once again thanks for joining me on the 100th birthday of James Baldwin. And thank you for sharing the evening with me as we watched this incredible film by the director Raoul Peck. I don't know how many times I've seen this, but each time I am as moved by it as the first time I saw it some nine years ago. I'm curious to hear your initial and immediate reactions... Please share...
Hi Michael! I am very much enjoying your posts, and in the spirit of James Baldwin on his 100th birthday I hope you would have a serious look at Stepping Stone EDU on https://sidogger.com/stepping-stone-edu/ Our founding goal is to bring Equality and prosperity to millions of indebted Students and thier families by making use of 10's of 1000's of patents paid for by Student fees, Tax payers dollars and Donations, 98% of which has been wasted and squandered by the Higher Education system. Our records clearly show Billions have been wasted resulting in Trillions in lost GDP while millions of Students who worked on them while in school routinely graduate with little hope of finding employment in thier field of study, buried often in insurmountable Student loan debt. Ours is a well defined plan to create millions of new jobs and stimulate the economy that is still in need of its Champion. I hope we might chat soon about you filling that roll! My HERO, keep up the good fight! I know we will! Thanks for all you do!
LET AMERICA BE AMERICA AGAIN
by Langston Hughes
1935
Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
(America never was America to me.)
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.
(It never was America to me.)
O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.
(There’s never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)
Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?
I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.
I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one’s own greed!
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,
The poorest worker bartered through the years.
Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That’s made America the land it has become.
O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home—
For I’m the one who left dark Ireland’s shore,
And Poland’s plain, and England’s grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa’s strand I came
To build a “homeland of the free.”
The free?
Who said the free? Not me?
Surely not me? The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we’ve dreamed
And all the songs we’ve sung
And all the hopes we’ve held
And all the flags we’ve hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay—
Except the dream that’s almost dead today.
O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—the poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s, ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.
Sure, call me any ugly name you choose—
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people’s lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!
I just order 3 of his books from Amazon.
Tried to replace " THE Anthology ", but unable to locate any copies. Thank you for printing " LET America be Americ Again".
Balancing this truth invoking the Symbol the Formula the Violet Flame the Golden Light #Yes and so it now is
A few hours ago, Kamala Harris, after a virtual vote amongst convention delegates, became the official nominee of the Democratic Party for the President of the United States — a historic moment. Watching this film at this moment stirs a lot of thoughts inside of me. I'm curious how the rest of you are feeling about something just one month ago we never expected to be dealing with in 2024, and that we may be just a few months away from having our first woman president. And hopefully not too many more weeks away from stopping the slaughter in Gaza that is being paid for with our tax dollars and executed with our bullets. After meeting Netanyahu, after dissing him by boycotting his hateful speech in our Congress, she came out and stood in front of a microphone and said "I will not be silent." Are we hopeful? What should we be doing?
Amen, and, everything we can!
Re: Gaza and Harris, I think the main difference between her and Biden will be of style only: she may be a tad less timid to raise an eyebrow over the latest massacre. The enormous pressure from the Zionists, the Genocidaires and the military-industrial-Congressional complex will continue to push whoever's in charge to "finish the job".
I read Going To Meet The Man back a year ago for my college literature class. I almost threw up. Before reading that, I knew about lynchings in concept but I had never really understood what they were like. But the real kicker of that story that was vomit inducing to me was the fact that some white sheriff used that memory to get it up for his wife. Like that got him all excited. As a straight, white man, I am completely embarrassed for my race in what we used to do to other members of our species in our own country. We love to talk about "freedom" and "liberty" in the US but really at the end of those discussions there should be an asterisk and the footnote, "Some restrictions may apply. Check your skin color for details." In the 21st century, every white man should feel overwhelming shame for the actions of people that came before us and that shame should move us to do whatever we can to keep it from happening again, as well as making up for what has already been done (reparations).
An excellent book is “How to be an ANTIRACIST” by Ibram X. Kendi (NY Times Bestseller) - Love can be your “color”, as the song goes - we cannot change the past. As you said, live w/purpose to make life better for ALL.
We must “check our privilege” in any situation too!
I listened to the audiobook of that a couple years ago. It definitely made me think about how I approach racial issues. I also bought “The Anti Racist Baby” for my then-future child.
Americans like you represent the HOPE of America!
AOL Notification?
Joyce Smith, Re: the above AOL Notification - I wish to remain anonymous - but I was re-acting to a comment by a contributor about the Concept of the Promise of America - The HOPE of America as expressed in the Constitution, represents the aspiration to be "ONE NATION UNITED UNDER GOD", recognizes the collectively what we aspire to be - we are not there yet, but....
Thank you, everyone, for sharing this evening with me and James Baldwin. Thank you, Raoul Peck, for making this masterpiece. Thank you, Samuel L. Jackson, for narrating the voice of James Baldwin. Please everyone, share this film with others. Make sure your kids see it someday. It's "everybody off the bench" time in America. Hope to see you around the country in the coming months. Please do not despair. Rise up, come alive, be kind, be fierce. We can do this. There's more of us than there are of them — and they know it. They're just hoping we don't. Be well. — Michael
I’ve shown this film to many high school students. I’m not sure that would be allowed today, but we had many substantial discussions in my classes. Baldwin was a genius and we were blessed to have had him among us. Thank you for honoring him, Michael.
Not so spontaneous, as I've been planning today for 5 months! I'm leading a bike ride in Portland, Oregon to celebrate Baldwin's life and passions.
We will start at the library, Baldwin's first sanctuary. The ride will explore theater, jazz, economic disparity, red lining, and more. We will hear speakers from the publishing, queer theater, and black liberation worlds. quotes from some of Baldwin's best interviews and a sound system will play us jazz as we roll across town. We conclude the ride at a vinyl shop that's staying open late for us. There, I'll be giving away some of his books and sharing my sticker collection.
Friday, 8/2/24
Central Library
801 SW 10th Ave
5:30pm
Thank you so much.
Far out, man❣️
What a fabulous idea, Mike!
I read a lot about the downsides of technology — social media in particular — but this is a shining example of how it can be used to bring people together and celebrate “the good in us,” as Mary Trump says.
As a fellow Michigander, I’ve been a big fan of your work since the “Roger & Me” days. Thank you for all you do to make the world a better, safer, more humane place. 💙💙💙
I’m not a part of your country… I have no real understanding of your combined histories…
and my own country has definite parallels in terms of a history of continued abuse, systemic lies, public stupidity and naivety…
I’m not even sure what I am trying to say.
Other than always considering Dorito Don a completely deluded wanker, and obviously a corrupt narcissistic criminal, it’s never really hit me in the guts… until a little over a week ago and I’ve been falling down the rabbit hole ever since.
For context… I have lived almost 50 years without ever feeling “political”. An autistic/adhd kid fumbling through the world, spenind most of my focus masking and trying to stay hidden and not become a target.
But there’s something in this election of yours that makes me, feel like… I don’t know…
Angry.
Angry at myself… angry at the intricacy of each of the ex English-founded countries tried and tested cross generational systems… angry at the media… angry at every fucking docile dickwad who doesn’t get it.
I honestly hope, that many within the USA finally have a similar experience and do their utmost to educate themselves and finally begin to help get this planet back on track.
I can honestly say… I do not think I would have had the inner strength and fortitude to survive if I were born in the USA and anything other than “white”.
Sorry for the vent…
It’s just been so fucked for so long.
Keep Kamala safe hey
*bows*
As a white kid who became of age in the 60's and who grew up on a "ridge" (military kid) between two worlds, I always admired James Baldwin. I have read him extensively and adored him as a man and as a writer of great repose,; I would loved to have him to lunch (above all others) to listen to him and peer at that magnificent face. You would be welcomed also, Michael. My admiration can go two ways. R Seaman
Perfect after Trump's stupid attacks on Kamala. I have seen this great film and will still watch it again.
I vote for Pete for VP
You are looking great, you lost a lot of weight. Stay WELL and STRONG we need you. THANK YOU 💜🙏
Agree on Pete, but I think Kamala will need to be pragmatic: i.e., go for the pick that will pull in a swing state: AZ Sen Kelly or PA Gov Shapiro, although I'd hate to lose anybody out of the Senate.
On the other hand -- A debate between Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear and fake-"hillbilly" J.D. Vance would be epic, and possibly physical.
Shapiro is a disaster. NOT Shapiro.
Shapiro could be a losing choice, in my opinion, based on his attitude about peaceful protests on college campuses re: GENOCIDE of Palestinians/Gaza. Harris (“, la”) will make the BEST choice for HER - someone she can rely on (+has a connection with) for the next 8 years!!
NOT Shapiro❗️He is opposite to Harris on Gaza. 👎🏻👎🏿👎🏽I'm Jewish and I approved this message.
Michael, what day were you born? I think we should have a world-wide Michael Moore night.
(No, I don’t want to wait until you’re 100)
An incredible documentary!! A must- see by one and all!
Definitely one of the best documentaries I have ever seen!
James Baldwin was a truth seeker and a truth teller. I saw this film years ago (it seems to have been updated in places) and the line that has always stayed with me as a revelation: (paraphrased) is
“American history is Black history.”
So true. There is no America without Black America. There is no American history without the story of how this country treats black (and indigenous) people, then and now. That is our struggle. That is our karma. We have a long way to go. This film will always be relevant.
Thank you, Mike, for a much deserved celebration of James Baldwin. Does anyone still think reparations and profound apologies are not needed after seeing this movie? Nothing can fundamentally change until we face our history.
I believe both are needed and can be accomplished. We are talking about our basic humanity. My grandfather was born three years after the Civil War. That's how NOT long ago the enslavement of our fellow human beings took place. I've never seen this as an old problem that I have no responsibility for fixing. I, as with most other white people, have in some way benefited from the way our country was originally founded — birthed in genocide and built on the backs of kidnapped and tortured human beings. There are ways still in which we can level the playing field and ensure justice.
I’m reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson right now, and it is illuminating my own place as a white woman (dalit, but over dalit people of color). The emphasis on purity in matters of caste is touched on in this film, too. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to continue exploring all of this.
And please watch Ava DuVernay's brilliant film from this past year entitled ORIGIN. It is based on Wilkerson's book "Caste". It is as powerful as what we watched tonight.
Thanks, we will. You are a fine educator.