James Baldwin
James Arthur Baldwin 1924 - 1987
Any discussion of the American literary canon that omits the work of James Baldwin, is incomplete. No writer better captured the complexities of human life than James Baldwin. His writing awakened the conscience as his stories compelled readers to explore major themes of sexuality, identity, and race.
Baldwin challenged readers to think more critically, not just about the characters in his stories, but also about the world around us. Growing up in Harlem with eight siblings, Baldwin learned how to overcome adversity. His focus on gaining equality for Black Americans became the staple of his writing. He is revered for his willingness to risk career and popularity to pursue racial justice.
One can never remain where one is” because we owe it to ourselves and to each other to “bear witness” for generations both past and yet to come.
Credit: New England Public Radio
