If Black Males Could Thrive: Letters to my Black sons Living in White America through the Works of James Baldwin

This inquiry explores key issues surrounding Black men in America. Specifically, the (1) historic dehumanization (Alexander, 2015; Baldwin, 1963/2017; Rampersad, 2005), (2) identity crises among Black men (Baldwin, 1956/2013; Leeming, 2014; Troupe, 2014), (3) unlawful treatment (Dubois, 1903/2011; Ferguson, 2000; Stovall, 2016), and (4) false perceptions in America (Coates, 2017; Coles, 2010; Dumas & Nelson, 2016; West, 1999). These topics are investigated through a speculative essay approach inspired by several works by and about James Baldwin, solidifying his contributions as a curricularist. Theoretically, this research draws from Black Protest Thought (Watkins, 2005) while also employing the tenets of Black Feminist Thought (Davis, 2012), Black Cultural Studies (Wallace, 1992; West, 1999; Wright, 2008) and Critical Race Theory (Baldwin, 1964, 1968, 1984; Bazile, 2006; Grant & Woodson, 2021; Lowery, 2017; Parker & Stovall, 2004; Stovall, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2016; Styron, 1992; West, 1993). This exploration divulges these topics through personal essays depicting my lived experiences [contexts] as a Black male in America to support curriculum beyond schooling as outside curriculum (Schubert, 2010). In this inquiry, I use personal experience to theorize a society where Black males are encouraged to excel and are no longer viewed as savage beasts, incapable of achieving personal and academic success. Drawing upon the works of Eddie S. Glaude (2020), I explore the phenomenon of Black males being allowed to Begin Again in a country that has refused us since our introduction to this land. This inquiry theorizes a world where future generations of Black males are no longer judged by the color of their skin but, instead, the monumental contributions that we have made and will continue to make in American culture. INDEX WORDS: Speculative essay, Black protest thought, Black feminist thought, Black cultural studies, James Baldwin, Curriculum studie