In December 1973, Toni Morrison wrote a letter to her friend James Baldwin expressing her love for his novel “If Beale Street Could Talk” and apologizing for the publisher’s decision not to purchase it. The letter, now on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., is part of a new exhibit honoring Baldwin’s life and community. Titled “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance,” the exhibit features a variety of works including correspondence, portraits, photographs, literature, and video projections. Rhea L. Combs, the director of curatorial affairs at the gallery, curated the exhibit to highlight Baldwin’s connections with other queer civil rights activists and creatives who influenced his work.
The exhibit showcases images of Baldwin’s friends and inspirations such as activist Bayard Rustin, playwright Lorraine Hansberry, and singer Nina Simone. It also features contemporary art from artists like Faith Ringgold and photographer Richard Avedon, who collaborated with Baldwin on the book “Nothing Personal.” Additionally, the exhibit includes work from poets Marlon Riggs and Essex Hemphill, who drew inspiration from Baldwin’s legacy to create their own art celebrating Black queer men. Combs emphasizes the importance of featuring these artists in the exhibit as a way of passing on the tradition of queer resistance and speaking truth to power.
Through the diverse selection of works and artists featured in the exhibit, visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of James Baldwin’s life and the values that guided his work. Community, care, and chosen family are highlighted as central themes in Baldwin’s life, reflecting the importance of these elements in shaping his identity and art. The exhibit aims to provide a multidimensional portrait of the iconic writer, showcasing the impact of his relationships with others and the enduring legacy of his work. “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon” will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery from July 12 through April 20, 2025, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the life and influence of James Baldwin in depth.
Overall, the exhibit serves as a tribute to James Baldwin and the voices of queer resistance that shaped his life and work. By highlighting the connections between Baldwin and other queer civil rights activists and creatives, the exhibit offers valuable insights into the community that influenced and supported the iconic writer. Through a diverse array of works and artists, visitors can appreciate the multifaceted nature of Baldwin’s legacy and the enduring impact of his words and actions. The exhibit not only celebrates Baldwin’s contributions to literature and civil rights but also honors the voices that continue to carry on his message of truth, resistance, and love.
