A veteran reflects on race and healing

WWII veteran Jim Baldwin (left) hugs a fellow veteran, Veteran's Day, 2016
WWII veteran Jim Baldwin (left) hugs a fellow WWII vet.
On Nov. 11, 2016, WVUD’s Matt Hewett interviewed Dr. James Baldwin, a 92-year-old veteran from one of three black armored battalions that served in the European theater during World War II.

This may be the most affecting and positive interview we’ve aired this year on Campus Voices. Matt got Dr. Baldwin to talk about the racism and segregation that he has had to overcome all his life, but then Baldwin made some key points about the need to heal, the need to interact with people of all races until we learn to appreciate each other as human beings.

Along the way, Baldwin tells an unusual story about 2nd Lt. Jackie Robinson, tells about his own varied and fascinating career, talks about the need for healing our racial and economic divisions, and recommends we reach out to people who are different from us in one-on-one interactions. He also urges us to work with our new president, respecting the office even if we disagree with his rhetoric: “Look at the things we have in common,” Baldwin said.

Listen to the interview linked below for a fascinating piece of oral history and to hear Jim Baldwin’s wise and moving reflections on his life.

Listen to the interview

James Baldwin, recorded in Washington, D.C., Nov. 11, 2016. First aired: Dec. 15, 2016.
29:59
57.6MB


Jim Baldwin, 3rd from left, sits with veterans of the Vietnam War after Baldwin had presented a wreath at the WWII Veterans' Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Jim Baldwin, 3rd from left, sits with veterans of the Vietnam War after Baldwin had presented a wreath at the WWII Veterans’ Memorial in Washington, D.C.