On February 18, 1965, the Cambridge Union in England was the stage for a historic debate between James Baldwin, a leading literary voice of the civil rights movement, and William F. Buckley Jr., America’s most influential conservative intellectual. The topic: “Is the American Dream at the expense of the American Negro?” This reenactment offers a word-for-word portrayal of their exchange, shedding light on a pivotal moment of American discord. It presents their perspectives exactly as they stood, for us to reflect upon 60 years later.

The American Vicarious
Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley
Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Friday, November 7, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Tickets:
Tickets on sale
August 23rd at noon
August 23rd at noon
Reserved Seating | $35
UF Students | $12
UF Students | $12
Sponsored by : The Anthony Holland Hitchcock Family | C. Soldevila Pico
*Please note: Dates, times, and venues subject to change.