In 1967, the students at San Francisco State invited the poet Amiri Baraka to the campus for a semester. He attracted other influential black writers such as Sonia Sanchez, Ed Bullins, Eldridge Cleaver. What emerged was something we called the community communications program. That's how I got involved; I got involved in a little play.

Profession: Actor

Topics: Community, Play, State, Students, Writers,

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Meaning: The quote provided refers to a significant event in the history of San Francisco State University, which played a pivotal role in the development of African American literature and activism in the late 1960s. The invitation of poet Amiri Baraka, along with other influential black writers, to the campus in 1967 marked a turning point in the cultural and intellectual landscape of the university and the broader community.

Amiri Baraka, formerly known as LeRoi Jones, was a prominent figure in the Black Arts Movement, a period of artistic and cultural activism that emerged in the 1960s. His work as a poet, playwright, and activist had a profound impact on the literary and political scenes of the time. The invitation extended to Baraka by the students of San Francisco State University reflects their desire to engage with and learn from influential voices within the African American community.

The presence of Amiri Baraka on campus not only drew attention to the university but also attracted other influential black writers, including Sonia Sanchez, Ed Bullins, and Eldridge Cleaver. These individuals were key figures in the Black Arts Movement and the broader struggle for civil rights and social justice. Their collective presence at San Francisco State University created a vibrant intellectual and artistic community that emphasized the power of literature and communication as tools for social change.

The community communications program that emerged from this gathering represented a significant initiative in promoting the voices and perspectives of African American writers and activists. This program provided a platform for these individuals to engage with students and the wider community, fostering dialogue and critical thinking about issues of race, identity, and social justice. It also served as a catalyst for the development of new literary and artistic works that reflected the experiences and struggles of the African American community.

The quote also includes a personal reflection from actor Danny Glover, who acknowledges his involvement in the community communications program through participation in a play. This highlights the program's impact in attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, all of whom were drawn to the powerful cultural and intellectual currents flowing through the university at that time.

Overall, the events described in the quote encapsulate a moment of convergence and collaboration among influential black writers, students, and community members at San Francisco State University. This convergence gave rise to a dynamic and transformative period in the university's history, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of literature, activism, and community engagement.

Through the collective efforts of these individuals, the community communications program and the broader cultural and intellectual atmosphere at San Francisco State University became a vibrant hub for the exploration of African American literature, arts, and activism. This period of heightened awareness and creativity contributed to the broader social and political movements of the time, leaving an indelible mark on the university and the larger community.

In conclusion, the invitation of Amiri Baraka and the subsequent formation of the community communications program at San Francisco State University in 1967 marked a significant moment in the history of African American literature, activism, and cultural expression. The impact of this period continues to resonate within academic, artistic, and activist circles, serving as a testament to the enduring power of literature and communication in shaping social consciousness and fostering meaningful change.

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