Turning a James Baldwin quote into a blog is easy. James Baldwin is one of my favorite authors of all time. His writing is timeless, and he was indeed a national treasure. In my eyes and the eyes of those that read his work. James Baldwin was a writer, activist, and prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance Era. Baldwin was a brilliant and charismatic figure. What made Baldwin even more special was his boldness. Baldwin not only was a black writer who fought for the rights of Black Americans, but he was also an openly gay black man.
In typical Baldwin form, he charged us with a task. As he so often did in many of his works. Baldwin’s challenged us to take the path that has already been laid. Baldwin said, “Your crown has been bought and paid for. All you must do is put it on.”
Baldwin wore the crown as well. Baldwin’s crown had two layers one for the black man and the other was for being gay. Baldwin boldly and confidently stood in his truth. Despite how people would react, he never tried to hide who he was; he always wore his crown proudly.
Just like Baldwin, our crown fits. We must boldly and confidently wear our crowns, despite what those say around us and how society may perceive us. We are at our best when we wear our crown. There were so many that came before us. They paved the way and took the hits so we could move peacefully and gracefully. They paid the sacrifice and some of them the ultimate sacrifice so that we could wear the crown.
The ones who came before us did their part to leave their lasting mark in this world. They made it easy for us to step into our future and step into our purposes with our crowns on our heads.
There are times, even with my crown, I am unsure of what to do or where I am going. There is a saying, “There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them.” My crown has taught me that I don’t have ever to know where I am going to get where I need to be. Sometimes being lost allows you to find your way.
I take my crown seriously. I accept the crown that was purchased for me by my ancestors. I know my crown one day will make a lasting impact. I am defying the odds of society. I am a black man in American who is succeeding. I know have an obligation now to purchase the next crowns for the next generation. My students deserve their crowns, and it is up to me to take what my crown has given me and ensure they get the same. I tell my students to get lost in their dreams and the pursuit of their crown. The quest to their crown will be the most significant journey they pursue.