Educational Media Reviews Online

Amiri Baraka is one of those artists whose name you should know but probably don't. Which gives all the more reason to purchase the video Amiri Baraka. The video documents an interview between this poet, playwright, professor, editor, critic, Marxist, revolutionary, activist, director born Everett LeRoi Jones and fellow artist Maya Angelou. After a very traditional middle-class upbringing, including Rutgers and a degree from Howard University, he emerged as the prominent African-American voice of the white avant garde Beat Generation. The universal tones of his early works became more radical with the Civil Rights movement, and his style was perceived by literary traditionalists to be militant and confrontational.

Baraka found meteoric acclaim with his one act play The Dutchman, which won many awards, was made into an important film in Britain, and is still performed in repertory 35 years later. He disdained the drop out mentality of the Beats and their later cloned flower children. Little of his radical activism is revealed in the contemporary interview. He appears relaxed and laid back, and he continues to create venues for young black voices. Angelou, who is genuinely awed by Baraka's talent, coaxes him to read two of his poems. They are typical of his rhythmic and vivid imagery.

A high point of their 28 minute conversation is the present state of academia, "The Academy," and non-academics in academia. It should be required viewing for all deans, provosts, and university presidents. The filming is clean cut and unobtrusive which allows these two literary giants their space to converse. Amiri Baraka is a stimulating and rare intelligent treat and recommended for all video collections.