Baldwin pledged never to betray the young if they rejected society’s definitions.

Evidence

“Well, here we are, my young brothers and sisters. Here’s how matters stand. I, Jimmy Baldwin, as a black writer, must in some way represent you. Now, you didn’t elect me and I didn’t ask for it, but here we are.” All eyes were fixed on him. “Everything I write will in some way reflect on you. So…what do we do? I’ll make you a pledge. If you will promise your elder brother that you will never, ever accept any of the many derogatory, degrading, and reductive definitions that this society has ready for you, then I, Jimmy Baldwin, promise you I shall never betray you.” — Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Begin Again, 77

Categorization

• CANDY: A vivid, quotable moment — the preacher-cadence avowal of love and responsibility to the students.
• XREF: This pledge to the young underwrites the writerly responsibility that the late Baldwin keeps through the bitter period.