The Amen Corner

James Baldwin

The Amen Corner by James Baldwin is a play regarding family, community, faith, and forgiveness. Sister Margaret Alexander, a preacher in Harlem faces numerous challenges due to her congregations newly concerned of her personal life. Already struggling with the fact that her gender is questioned whether she is capable of running a church and its really a “mans” place in the pulpit.

Estrange from her husband, a worldly jazz musician has walked back into her life. Also, having a son that is on the verge of leaving the church, the congregation is worried that their ways will lead her astray. Sister Margaret is despite to save her family but also wants to appease her church. So she is left with a hard decision to make. Baldwin brings his upbringing in the black church to create this classic masterpiece play. You see everyone that is in the church is not of the church.