Something that did concern me in your letter, however, was to read that since there was not 'a hint of Baldwin's sexuality' in the African American encyclopaedia you felt 'that is as it should be'. Sean Denis D'Arcy.
The words above came from the letter of a writer from New South Wales in response to Hell First (GLW, November 1, 2000). In that essay, I wrote at some length about the late African-American writer James Baldwin. I used him as an example of the artistic achievement a homosexual has given to the world; and of how disturbing I found the position taken against homosexuals by a group of African-American religious leaders in California.
Mr D'Arcy seems to be concerned about the opinion I expressed when writing of James Baldwin's accomplishments in that I feel it is appropriate that his homosexuality is not noted in the reference book Africana: The Encyclopedia of African And African American Experience (published in 1999 by Basic Civitas Books). I reiterate, that is as it should be. I will try to clarify my point of view.
While I am not insensitive to Mr D'Arcy's view that homosexuals are obliged to come out of their individual closets, I do not think that outing, if you will, is appropriate in all situations. The afore noted reference book is an example. The book is about achievements, not sexual persuasions. One does not achieve homosexuality; one simply is or is not. Moreover, the book does not document the heterosexuality of other equally noteworthy African-Americans. Such distinctions do not need to be made when and where the need for such does not exist.
On page 1736 of the book, for example, the late blues singer Bessie Smith is referred to as the Empress of the Blues because she was known for that not for her homosexuality. When my great-grandchildren, look up Bessie Smith in that book what good would be served in them being confronted with a need to understand the late blues singer's sexuality?
I hope that I have clarified my view. Let me add that space often does not allow me to fully present my views and opinions, but let me make it clear that the children in my family read what I write in this space. Surely, I need not say more.
I do appreciate that Mr D'Arcy reads this column and that he finds my writings, in his words, warm and insightful.
BY BRANDON ASTOR JONES
[The writer is a prisoner on death row in the United States. He welcomes letters commenting on his columns (include your name and full return address on the envelope, or prison authorities may refuse to deliver it). He can be written to at: Brandon Astor Jones, EF-122216, G3-77, Georgia Diagnostic & Classification Prison, PO Box 3877, Jackson, GA 30233, USA, or email <BrandonAstorJones@hotmail.com>. Jones is seeking a publisher for his autobiography, Growing Down. Please notify him of any possible leads. Visit Jones' web page at <http://www.BrandonAstorJones.com>.]