“Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”
James Baldwin
Born in 1920s Harlem, James Baldwin was the first born of 9 children. He grew up in poverty and had a strict religious upbringing. As he began his adolescence he found within himself a passion for writing.
During his teenage years he became a preacher. This was an influential time in Baldwin’s life that he claimed helped him become a writer. Later in life he would reject religion, however its influence would show itself through his literary achievements.
By the age of 24, Baldwin left Harlem and moved to Paris where he focused his time writing. In 1953 he published his first book, Go Tell It On The Mountain, a semi-autobiographical novel following John Grimes on his 14th birthday. The novel explores themes of race and racism, religion, and sexuality.
James Baldwin went on to author several other writings spanning across genres. Some notable works of his are If Beale Street Could Talk, The Fire Next Time, and Giovanni’s Room.
Renowned for his participation in the Civil Rights Movement, and for being an openly queer Black man, James Baldwin is remembered as a champion for equality in the 20th century. His vocal stances on American society continue to influence many people today.
