What Truth Sounds Like

In the early 1960s, a pivotal meeting between Attorney General Robert Kennedy and prominent Black intellectuals, including James Baldwin, highlights the enduring struggle between morality and politics in addressing racial issues.

What Truth Sounds Like delves into a pivotal moment in the 1960s that highlights the ongoing struggle between morality and politics in the context of race in America. The narrative centers on a significant meeting in 1963, where Attorney General Robert Kennedy sought insight from renowned writer James Baldwin and his companions, including playwright Lorraine Hansberry and psychologist Kenneth Clark. This gathering aimed to address the deep-seated anger within the black community and the broader implications of racial injustice.

Kennedy's initial reaction to the discussion was one of frustration; he perceived the attendees as disconnected from the political landscape and more focused on expressing their lived experiences than on formulating policy solutions. However, as the conversation unfolded, his anger transformed into a deeper understanding, particularly regarding the perspective of activist Jerome Smith. This shift in Kennedy's viewpoint marked a turning point, prompting him to reconsider his approach to racial issues and ultimately influencing his policy decisions.

The book explores the complex relationship between black intellectuals and artists and their role in advocating for social change. It raises critical questions about the balance between seeking political solutions and pursuing moral redemption in addressing the country's racial divides. Through this exploration, What Truth Sounds Like provides a thought-provoking examination of the enduring challenges surrounding race and the responsibility of individuals to confront these issues head-on.