This book —written for teacher educators, teachers and admires of James Baldwin—employs his essays and speeches to discuss how the effects of race and racism enter the souls of African American students and becomes attached and difficult to dislodge. Yet, his essays also provide educators and students with purpose, meaning, and suggestions for how to stand up against racism, develop an authentic self, and fight oppression. Whereas this book takes advantage of the full body of Baldwin’s work —fiction, nonfiction, interviews, lectures, speeches, and letters—its foundation is three speeches James Baldwin gave in the 1960’s on the education of African American children and African American and European American race relations in the United States. The purpose of education, defying myths, freedom, willful ignorance, and developing identity are discussed through a Baldwinian lens. African American and European American teachers are encouraged to "go for broke" as this book explores the important role Baldwin’s work can play in schools and universities.