The
BALDWIN INSTITUTE
FOUNDER'S LETTER
Hello:
My name is Achille Tenkiang, and I am a Cameroonian-American writer, cultural strategist, artist, and nomad who has called Nairobi, Dublin, Paris, and now Brooklyn home. Throughout my journey across various corners of the world, I have always carried James Baldwin with me. His work has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance.
At the age of 13, encountering the works of James Baldwin—namely Go Tell It On the Mountain and The Fire Next Time—transformed my worldview, igniting a lifelong passion for Black cultural heritage and the power of literary arts. Baldwin’s profound insights on race, identity, and society were a catalyst for me, inspiring me to provide similar transformative experiences for other youth.
As a cultural strategist and advocate, I became Princeton University's first graduate in African Studies and served as a Trustee, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I was also awarded the Mitchell Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Race, Migration, and Decolonial Studies in Ireland. Additionally, I’m a founding member of The Boarding School and led the successful "Harvard Forward" campaign, advocating for young alumni on Harvard's Board of Overseers. I currently work at the Mellon Foundation, stewarding projects that celebrate the cultural and artistic expressions of Black culture.
This year, to honor what would have been Baldwin’s 100th birthday, I am formally launching the Baldwin Institute. Amidst rising book bans, post-pandemic literacy challenges, and educational censorship, our mission is more crucial than ever. We aim to provide culturally rich educational content for underserved youth, particularly Black, Brown, and queer youth from marginalized communities, inspiring them to lead with knowledge and pride in their heritage.
The Baldwin Institute’s work is novel because so much funding for underserved youth programs is directed toward STEM, leaving these young people seldom given the opportunity to broaden their creative horizons. Although Black and Brown individuals are shaping the pulse of cultural and artistic production in America, they are still not the power brokers. Through the Baldwin Institute, we are building a pipeline to change this, funneling more of them into positions of influence to shape the arc of cultural, artistic, and knowledge production in our country.
At the Baldwin Institute, we believe that history is made by ordinary people who dare to dream and act. Baldwin’s journey from an ordinary boy in Harlem to a force for change shows the power of using one’s voice. We are committed to helping young people realize that they, too, can shape their futures and the world around them.
Arts, history, and heritage have broadened my horizons, given me resilience, and fueled my journey. Together, we can create spaces where young minds, especially those from underserved backgrounds, can dream boldly and shape a future rich in creativity and possibility.
Your support can make a transformative impact. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.
In gratitude,
Achille Tenkiang
Hello:
My name is Achille Tenkiang, and I am a Cameroonian-American writer, cultural strategist, artist, and nomad who has called Nairobi, Dublin, Paris, and now Brooklyn home. Throughout my journey across various corners of the world, I have always carried James Baldwin with me. His work has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance.
At the age of 13, encountering the works of James Baldwin—namely Go Tell It On the Mountain and The Fire Next Time—transformed my worldview, igniting a lifelong passion for Black cultural heritage and the power of literary arts. Baldwin’s profound insights on race, identity, and society were a catalyst for me, inspiring me to provide similar transformative experiences for other youth.
As a cultural strategist and advocate, I became Princeton University's first graduate in African Studies and served as a Trustee, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I was also awarded the Mitchell Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Race, Migration, and Decolonial Studies in Ireland. Additionally, I’m a founding member of The Boarding School and led the successful "Harvard Forward" campaign, advocating for young alumni on Harvard's Board of Overseers. I currently work at the Mellon Foundation, stewarding projects that celebrate the cultural and artistic expressions of Black culture.
This year, to honor what would have been Baldwin’s 100th birthday, I am formally launching the Baldwin Institute. Amidst rising book bans, post-pandemic literacy challenges, and educational censorship, our mission is more crucial than ever. We aim to provide culturally rich educational content for underserved youth, particularly Black, Brown, and queer youth from marginalized communities, inspiring them to lead with knowledge and pride in their heritage.
The Baldwin Institute’s work is novel because so much funding for underserved youth programs is directed toward STEM, leaving these young people seldom given the opportunity to broaden their creative horizons. Although Black and Brown individuals are shaping the pulse of cultural and artistic production in America, they are still not the power brokers. Through the Baldwin Institute, we are building a pipeline to change this, funneling more of them into positions of influence to shape the arc of cultural, artistic, and knowledge production in our country.
At the Baldwin Institute, we believe that history is made by ordinary people who dare to dream and act. Baldwin’s journey from an ordinary boy in Harlem to a force for change shows the power of using one’s voice. We are committed to helping young people realize that they, too, can shape their futures and the world around them.
Arts, history, and heritage have broadened my horizons, given me resilience, and fueled my journey. Together, we can create spaces where young minds, especially those from underserved backgrounds, can dream boldly and shape a future rich in creativity and possibility.
Your support can make a transformative impact. Join us in empowering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and creators.
At the age of 13, encountering the works of James Baldwin—namely Go Tell It On the Mountain and The Fire Next Time—transformed my worldview, igniting a lifelong passion for Black cultural heritage and the power of literary arts. Baldwin’s profound insights on race, identity, and society were a catalyst for me, inspiring me to provide similar transformative experiences for other youth.
As a cultural strategist and advocate, I became Princeton University's first graduate in African Studies and served as a Trustee, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. I was also awarded the Mitchell Scholarship to pursue a Master’s in Race, Migration, and Decolonial Studies in Ireland. Additionally, I’m a founding member of The Boarding School and led the successful "Harvard Forward" campaign, advocating for young alumni on Harvard's Board of Overseers. I currently work at the Mellon Foundation, stewarding projects that celebrate the cultural and artistic expressions of Black culture.
Hello
My name is Achille Tenkiang, and I am a Cameroonian-American writer, cultural strategist, artist, and nomad who has called Nairobi, Dublin, Paris, and now Brooklyn home. Throughout my journey across various corners of the world, I have always carried James Baldwin with me. His work has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance.