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James Baldwin

By GGIlBOSS

  • Birth

    Born August 2 in Harlem, New York City

  • Works as a youth minister in his fathers church

  • Graduates from DeWitt Clinton High School

  • Moves to Paris, France

    Moves to Paris, France

    He left the U.S. to escape racism and homophobia and to find creative freedom as a Black, gay writer.

  • Wins a Guggenheim Fellowship

    The award allowed him to write full-time and complete his first plays and essays
  • The Amen Corner premieres

    The Amen Corner premieres

    based on his experiences in church life.
  • Period: to

    Civil right movement

    This is one of the influences that shaped James Baldwin
  • Returns to the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement.

    Returns to the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement.

    Felt compelled to support the fight for racial equality and to write about the Black American experience firsthand.
  • Publishes The Fire Next Time

    Publishes The Fire Next Time

    A bold letter to America about race relations, inspired by ongoing segregation and violence.
  • Blues for Mister Charlie premieres

    Blues for Mister Charlie premieres

    inspired by the Emmett Till murder.
  • Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone published

    Tell Me How Long the Train’s Been Gone published

    exploring race and love.
  • Moves to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France.

    Moves to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France.

    Sought peace and privacy to focus on writing.
  • No Name in the Street reflects

    No Name in the Street reflects

    His anger over the assassinations of civil rights leaders.
  • The Evidence of Things Not Seen

    The Evidence of Things Not Seen

    examines modern racism.

  • Death

    Dies December 1 in France from stomach cancer.
  • Posthumously honored with I Am Not Your Negro

    Posthumously honored with I Am Not Your Negro

    a documentary based on his unfinished work.