Alexis Salazar

James Baldwin was born in 1924 in Harlem, New York. One of nine children, his family did not grow up wealthy. He said working at a very young age to be a preacher, he realized it was not for him than also to realize he must move on with his life “I knew I was black, of course, but I also knew I was smart. I didn’t know how I would use my mind, or even if I could, but that was the only thing I had to use.” EARLY YEARS

James after working and growing up in his early adult years on the railroad wanted to move on with his life Although his work was small, a man by Richard Wright realized his potential and took him under his wing. He then moved to Paris by the young age of 24 years old. EARLY ADULTHOOD

In 1953 James had his first novel published in Switzerland by the name of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” Baldwin set out to have many other of his works published however his bestsellers remained; Nobody knows my name, and Another Country. His stories were of present day struggle whether it be concerning interracial couples or homosexuality. HIS NOVELS

Although Baldwin was busy creating his work abroad in Switzerland, Paris and Istanbul, he never forgot his roots. James went on to live back in the states around 1960 to take part of the civil rights movement. Another accomplishment was his cover on TIME magazine. His work became a voice for the unheard, and made such a statement. CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT

When James friends and fellow activists of equality for all were assassinated including Martin Luther King Jr. James moved back to France This piece of work, If Beale Street Could Talk, reflected on the assassinations of his friends and were highly contemplated for being written out of anger. James did not stop being a voice for the African American brotherhood His legacy remains as being the voice for the unheard, and those who did not have a voice. He passed away because of stomach cancer in James was 63. LAST YEARS

"James Baldwin About The Author." PBS. PBS, 29 Nov Web. 21 Apr "James Baldwin." The Biography.com website. Apr ames-baldwin ames-baldwin SOURCES