History of James Baldwin in Timeline
James Arthur Baldwin was a celebrated American writer and civil rights activist renowned for his impactful essays, novels, plays, and poems. His notable works include the acclaimed novel "Go Tell It on the Mountain," recognized as one of the top 100 English-language novels by Time magazine, and the essay collection "Notes of a Native Son," which solidified his position as a prominent voice for equality. Baldwin's influence extended beyond his writing, as he was a powerful public figure and orator during the American civil rights movement.
1903: Birth of Emma Berdis Jones
Emma Berdis Jones, James Baldwin's mother, was born in 1903 on Deal Island, Maryland. She later moved to Harlem as part of the Great Migration.
1919: David Baldwin Moves to Harlem
David Baldwin, who would later become James Baldwin's stepfather, moved to Harlem in 1919 after leaving the South.
August 2, 1924: Birth of James Baldwin
James Arthur Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924, at Harlem Hospital in New York City to Emma Berdis Jones. His birth marked the beginning of a life that would later be influential in literature and civil rights activism.
1927: Marriage of Emma Jones and David Baldwin
In 1927, Emma Jones married David Baldwin, a laborer and Baptist preacher. James Baldwin took his stepfather's last name.
1937: Joining Mount Calvary of the Pentecostal Faith Church
In 1937, James Baldwin joined the Mount Calvary of the Pentecostal Faith Church, where he first took to the altar and discovered his authority as a speaker.
1937: First Published Essay
In 1937, James Baldwin published his first essay 'Harlem—Then and Now' in the autumn issue of the Douglass Pilot. This marked the beginning of his writing career.
1938: Start of "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
In 1938, James Baldwin embarked on his first attempt at writing a novel, which would eventually evolve into "Go Tell It on the Mountain."
1938: Enrollment at De Witt Clinton High School
In 1938, James Baldwin enrolled at De Witt Clinton High School in the Bronx, a predominantly white and Jewish school. He became involved with the school's magazine, the Magpie.
1938: Graduation from Frederick Douglass Junior High
James Baldwin graduated from Frederick Douglass Junior High in 1938. During his time there, he was influenced by Herman W. Porter and Countee Cullen.
1941: Leaving School to Support Family
In 1941, James Baldwin left school to earn money and support his family. He secured a job helping to build a United States Army depot in New Jersey.
1941: Final Sermon at Fireside Pentecostal
James Baldwin delivered his final sermon at Fireside Pentecostal in 1941. He later reflected on his time in the church as a period of self-discovery and internal conflict.
1941: Graduation from De Witt Clinton High School
James Baldwin graduated from De Witt Clinton High School in 1941. His yearbook listed his career ambition as 'novelist-playwright.'
1942: Employment in Belle Mead, New Jersey
In the middle of 1942, James Baldwin worked laying tracks for the military in Belle Mead, New Jersey. He faced prejudice from his fellow workers, which fueled his later decision to emigrate from America.
June 1943: Return to Harlem and Job Instability
In June 1943, facing joblessness and instability, James Baldwin returned to Harlem to live with his family after losing a meatpacking job. This period saw him grapple with unemployment, leading to a sense of drift and despair.
1943: The Lucien Carr Murder Case
Between 1943 and 1944, a Columbia University student named Lucien Carr murdered David Kammerer, an older man who had made sexual advances toward him. This case served as inspiration for the murder plot in James Baldwin's novel.
1943: Death of David Baldwin
David Baldwin, James Baldwin's stepfather, died of tuberculosis on July 29, 1943. His death occurred on the same day his wife gave birth to their last child, Paula.
1944: Meeting Marlon Brando
Baldwin's path crossed with Marlon Brando's in 1944 at a theater class in The New School, sparking a lifelong friendship that endured through the Civil Rights Movement.
1944: The Lucien Carr Murder Case
Between 1943 and 1944, a Columbia University student named Lucien Carr murdered David Kammerer, an older man who had made sexual advances toward him. This case served as inspiration for the murder plot in James Baldwin's novel.
1945: Meeting Richard Wright
A pivotal moment in 1945 was Baldwin's introduction to Richard Wright, a meeting orchestrated to pique Wright's interest in Baldwin's early manuscript, "Crying Holy."
1945: Literary Exploration and Collaboration
The year 1945 marked a period of literary exploration for Baldwin, during which he started a literary magazine, "The Generation," with Claire Burch.
1946: Loss of Eugene Worth
In 1946, Baldwin experienced a significant loss with the suicide of Eugene Worth, a close friend who had introduced him to the Young People's Socialist League.
1947: First Published Work in "The Nation"
Baldwin's first published work, a review of Maxim Gorky, appeared in The Nation in 1947. He continued to contribute to the publication throughout his career, eventually joining its editorial board.
1947: First Publication in "The Nation" and Exploration of Social Issues
Baldwin's writing career gained momentum in 1947 with his first publication in "The Nation," a review of Maxim Gorki's work. This year also saw him delving into social issues with his essay "The Harlem Ghetto," published in Commentary, which examined anti-Semitism among Black Americans.
October 1948: Publication of "Previous Condition"
In October 1948, Baldwin achieved a significant milestone with the publication of his first work of fiction, the short story "Previous Condition," in Commentary magazine.
November 11, 1948: Departure for Paris
On November 11, 1948, Baldwin made a life-altering decision to move to Paris, seeking respite from racial tensions and hoping for a more peaceful existence.
1948: Reunion with Richard Wright in Paris
Baldwin's relationship with Richard Wright took a turn after their reunion in Paris in 1948.
1948: Start of Publication Run for Essays in "Notes of a Native Son"
Between 1948 and 1955, James Baldwin published a series of essays in various magazines, which were later collected in his influential book, "Notes of a Native Son."
1948: Short Story Publications Begin
In 1948, James Baldwin began publishing short stories in various magazines, marking the start of his influential literary career.
December 1949: Arrest and Reflections on Identity
Baldwin's time in Paris took an unexpected turn in December 1949 when he was arrested for receiving stolen goods. This experience, later recounted in his essay "Equal in Paris," led him to reflect on his identity as a Black American in a foreign country.
1949: Meeting Lucien Happersberger
In 1949, James Baldwin met Lucien Happersberger, beginning a significant romantic relationship that would profoundly impact Baldwin's life.
1949: Publication of "Everybody's Protest Novel"
In 1949, James Baldwin published "Everybody's Protest Novel," a scathing critique of Richard Wright's work, arguing that protest literature, while intellectually stimulating, ultimately constrains human experience and reinforces societal expectations.
1949: Literary Influence and Break with Richard Wright
Richard Wright played a crucial role in James Baldwin's early career, providing mentorship and support. However, Baldwin's 1949 essay "Everybody's Protest Novel" led to a rift between the two writers, marking a turning point in Baldwin's literary journey.
1950: Baldwin Reads Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man"
While in Paris in 1950, James Baldwin read James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," a work that resonated with Baldwin's own experiences and artistic goals.
1950: Publication of "Equal in Paris"
Baldwin's essay "Equal in Paris" was published in Commentary in 1950, recounting his experience of being arrested and his shifting sense of identity in a foreign land.
1951: Trips to Loèches-les-Bains and Inspiration for "Stranger in the Village"
Beginning in 1951, Baldwin made several trips to Loèches-les-Bains, Switzerland, at the invitation of his friend, where his experiences with the local villagers would later inspire his essay "Stranger in the Village."
1951: Publication of "Many Thousands Gone"
In 1951, James Baldwin furthered his critique of protest literature with "Many Thousands Gone," using Richard Wright's "Native Son" and Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" to exemplify his argument.
February 26, 1952: Submission of "Go Tell It on the Mountain" Manuscript
On February 26, 1952, Baldwin submitted the manuscript for his novel, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," from Paris to Alfred A. Knopf publishing house in New York.
May 1953: Publication of "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
In May 1953, "Go Tell It on the Mountain" was published, marking Baldwin's debut as a novelist.
October 1953: Publication of "Stranger in the Village"
In October 1953, Baldwin's essay "Stranger in the Village" was published in Harper's Magazine, reflecting on his experiences with racial innocence and unintentional mistreatment in a Swiss village, highlighting the complexities of race relations.
1953: Arrival of Beauford Delaney and Shift in Social Circle
Beauford Delaney's arrival in France in 1953 significantly impacted Baldwin's life. Baldwin's social circle shifted towards Black American expatriates, including Bernard Hassell, Gordon Heath, Bobby Short, Inez Cavanaugh, Maya Angelou, Richard Gibson, Chester Himes, and Howard Swanson.
1953: Publication of "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
In 1953, Baldwin published "Go Tell It on the Mountain," a semi-autobiographical novel he started writing at age 17. This marked his debut novel and a significant step in his literary career.
1953: Publication of 'Go Tell It on the Mountain'
In 1953, James Baldwin published his novel 'Go Tell It on the Mountain,' which was later ranked by Time magazine as one of the top 100 English-language novels.
May 1954: Supreme Court Orders School Desegregation
In May 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling ordering the desegregation of schools "with all deliberate speed."
1954: Fellowships, Publication of "The Amen Corner," and Collaboration with Owen Dodson
In 1954, Baldwin received fellowships from the MacDowell writer's colony and the Guggenheim Fellowship. He published his play, "The Amen Corner," and collaborated with Owen Dodson for its premiere in Washington D.C.
August 1955: The Murder of Emmett Till
The brutal murder of Emmett Till, a Black teenager, in August 1955, and the subsequent acquittal of his white killers had a profound impact on James Baldwin.
October 1955: Return to Paris
Baldwin returned to Paris in October 1955.
December 1955: Rosa Parks' Arrest and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
In December 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.
1955: Publication and Themes of "Notes of a Native Son"
Published in 1955, James Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son" is divided into three parts, grappling with Black identity, Black life in America, and the perspective of an expatriate.
1955: Publication of "Notes of a Native Son"
In 1955, encouraged by his friend Sol Stein, James Baldwin published his first collection of essays, "Notes of a Native Son," which explored themes of race, identity, and the artist's role in society.
1955: Publication of 'Notes of a Native Son'
James Baldwin's essay collection 'Notes of a Native Son' was published in 1955, helping to establish his reputation as a significant voice for human equality.
February 1956: Autherine Lucy's Brief Admission to the University of Alabama
In February 1956, Autherine Lucy became the first Black student to be admitted to the University of Alabama, but she was quickly expelled due to violent protests from white students, highlighting the fierce resistance to desegregation in the South.
March 1956: William Faulkner's Controversial Statement on Desegregation
In March 1956, William Faulkner, a prominent Southern writer, made a controversial statement during an interview, expressing his willingness to fight against desegregation, even to the point of violence. This statement deeply troubled James Baldwin, who responded with his essay "William Faulkner and Desegregation."
July 1956: Publication of "The Crusade of Indignation"
In July 1956, James Baldwin published his essay "The Crusade of Indignation," which critiqued the stereotypical portrayal of Black life in Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
September 1956: Attendance at the Congress of Black Writers and Artists
In September 1956, Baldwin attended the Congress of Black Writers and Artists, an event he found disappointing due to its focus on European themes.
1956: Publication of "Giovanni's Room"
James Baldwin's novel "Giovanni's Room" was published in the autumn of 1956, shortly after Baldwin returned to Paris.
1956: Publication of 'Giovanni's Room'
In 1956, James Baldwin published 'Giovanni's Room,' a novel that prominently featured gay and bisexual men and addressed themes of masculinity, sexuality, race, and class.
1956: Publication of "Giovanni's Room"
Baldwin's second novel, "Giovanni's Room," was published in 1956, generating significant controversy due to its explicit homoerotic themes and focus on white characters, defying expectations set by his previous work.
July 1957: Baldwin Returns to New York
In July 1957, James Baldwin decided to return to New York from Paris, leaving behind his friend Beauford Delaney, who was struggling with alcoholism and mental health issues.
1957: Decision to Return to the United States
Baldwin decided to return to the United States in 1957.
1957: Return to the United States and Civil Rights Reporting
In 1957, deeply moved by the events in the South, James Baldwin returned to the US. He began reporting on the civil rights movement, interviewing figures like Martin Luther King Jr., and producing impactful essays like "The Hard Kind of Courage" and "Nobody Knows My Name."
1960: FBI Surveillance Begins
Starting in 1960, the FBI began surveilling James Baldwin, reflecting the climate of suspicion and scrutiny faced by Black intellectuals and activists during this period. His FBI file would eventually grow to over 1,800 pages.
1961: Baldwin's First Stay in Istanbul
James Baldwin completed writing "Another Country" during his first extended stay in Istanbul, which concluded on December 10, 1961. This marked the beginning of his frequent visits to the city throughout the 1960s.
1962: Publication of "The Fire Next Time"
In 1962, James Baldwin published his influential essay "Down at the Cross" in The New Yorker, later collected with other writings as "The Fire Next Time." This work further solidified his position as a leading voice on race relations in America.
1962: Publication of "Another Country"
James Baldwin's third novel, "Another Country," a complex exploration of race, sexuality, and social alienation, was published in 1962.
May 17, 1963: Time Magazine Cover and Growing Recognition
On May 17, 1963, James Baldwin was featured on the cover of Time magazine, marking a turning point in his career. This recognition highlighted his powerful writing and analysis of racial issues in America.
August 28, 1963: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
On August 28, 1963, James Baldwin joined other prominent figures like Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier at the March on Washington, demonstrating his commitment to the cause of civil rights and equality.
1963: CORE Lecture Tour and Evolving Racial Ideology
During 1963, Baldwin embarked on a lecture tour for CORE in the South. He used this platform to articulate his evolving views on race, positioning himself between the approaches of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., and expressing his hope for socialism in the US.
1963: Meeting with Robert F. Kennedy
In 1963, following the Birmingham riot, Baldwin's telegram to Robert F. Kennedy led to a significant meeting. He and a delegation of Black intellectuals and activists discussed the urgency of the civil rights movement with the Attorney General.
1963: Publication of 'The Fire Next Time'
In 1963, James Baldwin published 'The Fire Next Time', an essay that articulated the anger and frustration felt by Black Americans. The essay brought Baldwin significant attention, landing him on the cover of Time magazine and establishing him as a prominent spokesperson for the Civil Rights Movement. The essay discussed the uneasy relationship between Christianity and the Black Muslim movement and was both praised and criticized for its conciliatory tone. This work made Baldwin a celebrity and a frequent speaker on television and college campuses.
1964: Collaboration with Richard Avedon
In 1964, James Baldwin collaborated with photographer Richard Avedon on the book "Nothing Personal." This project reflected Baldwin's engagement with different artistic mediums and his exploration of social and personal themes.
1964: Rejection of "Civil Rights Activist" Label
In 1964, James Baldwin rejected being labeled solely as a "civil rights activist." He believed the struggle for civil rights was a fight for the soul of America and for the rights of all citizens.
March 1965: Selma to Montgomery Marches and Advocacy
In March 1965, James Baldwin participated in the Selma to Montgomery Marches, witnessing firsthand the struggle for voting rights in the South. He continued to advocate for federal intervention and criticize the government's response to racial injustice.
1965: Debate with William F. Buckley
In 1965, James Baldwin participated in a highly publicized debate with William F. Buckley at the Cambridge Union in the UK. The debate centered on whether the American dream had been achieved at the expense of African Americans. Baldwin's compelling arguments won the overwhelming support of the student body present.
1965: Going to Meet the Man
In 1965, James Baldwin published his collection 'Going to Meet the Man,' which included five previously published short stories and three new ones.
1967: Fictionalized in "The Man Who Cried I Am"
James Baldwin was fictionalized as Marion Dawes in John A. Williams's 1967 novel "The Man Who Cried I Am." This portrayal reflected Baldwin's growing cultural significance and the impact of his work.
1968: Publication of "Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone"
"Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone," James Baldwin's fourth novel, which continued his exploration of complex themes and experimental narratives, was published in 1968.
1968: Protest Against the Vietnam War
In 1968, James Baldwin joined other writers and editors in signing the "Writers and Editors War Tax Protest" pledge. This act of defiance reflected his opposition to the Vietnam War.
1969: Maya Angelou credits Baldwin
In 1969, Maya Angelou credited James Baldwin for setting the stage for her autobiography 'I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.' Baldwin's influence was pivotal in her literary journey.
November 1970: Writing 'Open Letter to My Sister, Angela Y. Davis'
In November 1970, James Baldwin wrote his famous 'Open Letter to My Sister, Angela Y. Davis', during his time in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This letter was a significant political statement and showcased Baldwin's continued engagement with civil rights issues.
1970: Settling in Saint-Paul-de-Vence
In 1970, James Baldwin settled in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in the south of France. His home became a hub for friends and fellow artists, including American painter Beauford Delaney and actors Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. This period marked a significant chapter in Baldwin's life as he continued his literary work from this new base.
1972: Publication of 'No Name in the Street'
In 1972, James Baldwin published 'No Name in the Street', a book-length essay that explored his personal experiences during the late 1960s. The essay particularly focused on the assassinations of his friends Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr., providing a deeply personal perspective on these turbulent times.
1974: Publication of 'If Beale Street Could Talk'
James Baldwin's novel 'If Beale Street Could Talk' was published in 1974. The book added to his legacy as a significant literary figure.
1974: Publication of 'If Beale Street Could Talk'
In 1974, James Baldwin published 'If Beale Street Could Talk', a novel that highlighted the importance of Black American families. This work was part of Baldwin's continued effort to address social issues through his writing.
1979: "The Latest Slave Rebellion"
During a 1979 speech at UC Berkeley, Baldwin referred to the civil rights movement as "the latest slave rebellion," highlighting the historical and ongoing fight for Black liberation.
1979: Publication of 'Just Above My Head'
In 1979, James Baldwin published 'Just Above My Head', another novel emphasizing the significance of family among Black Americans. This was part of his broader literary contributions during the 1970s.
1981: Inspiration for 'The Evidence of Things Not Seen'
In 1981, the Atlanta child murders, which occurred between 1979 and 1981, served as the inspiration for James Baldwin's 1985 essay 'The Evidence of Things Not Seen'. This period marked a significant moment in Baldwin's exploration of race and violence in America.
1983: Publication of 'Jimmy's Blues'
In 1983, James Baldwin concluded his career with the publication of 'Jimmy's Blues', a volume of poetry. This work was among several notable publications Baldwin produced in his later years.
1985: Publication of 'The Evidence of Things Not Seen'
In 1985, James Baldwin published 'The Evidence of Things Not Seen', an extended essay reflecting on race, inspired by the Atlanta child murders of 1979-1981. This work continued to showcase Baldwin's deep engagement with social issues.
1985: Tribute to Beauford Delaney
In his 1985 work, "The Price of the Ticket," James Baldwin pays tribute to painter Beauford Delaney, acknowledging Delaney's significant influence on his life and work.
1986: Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur
In 1986, James Baldwin was made a Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur by the French government, recognizing his significant contributions to literature and culture.
December 1, 1987: Death of James Baldwin
James Baldwin passed away on December 1, 1987. His death marked the end of a prolific career as a writer and civil rights activist.
1987: Death and Continued Involvement with "The Nation"
Baldwin died in 1987, at which point he was serving on the editorial board of The Nation.
1987: Death of James Baldwin
In 1987, James Baldwin passed away in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France. He spent the last 17 years of his life in this village, where he continued to write and engage with his global audience.
1987: Publication of 'Harlem Quartet'
In 1987, James Baldwin's last novel, 'Harlem Quartet', was published. This work marked the conclusion of Baldwin's prolific literary career.
1987: National James Baldwin Literary Society
In 1987, photojournalist Kevin Brown founded the National James Baldwin Literary Society in Baltimore. The group organizes free public events celebrating Baldwin's life and legacy.
1990: Lawsuit Over Unfinished Manuscript
In 1990, following James Baldwin's death, McGraw-Hill dropped a lawsuit against his estate to recover a $200,000 advance for an unfinished manuscript titled 'Remember This House'. This manuscript later became the basis for the 2016 documentary film 'I Am Not Your Negro' by Raoul Peck.
1992: James Baldwin Scholars Program
In 1992, Hampshire College established the James Baldwin Scholars program, an urban outreach initiative in honor of Baldwin, who taught there in the early 1980s. The program supports talented students of color from underserved communities.
1996: Spike Lee's Film Reference
In 1996, Spike Lee's film 'Get on the Bus' included a Black gay character who punches a homophobic character, saying: 'This is for James Baldwin and Langston Hughes,' highlighting Baldwin's impact on LGBTQ representation.
1998: Library of America Editions
In 1998, Toni Morrison edited the Library of America's first two volumes of Baldwin's fiction and essays: 'Early Novels & Stories' and 'Collected Essays,' cementing his literary legacy.
1999: Dramatic Portrayal of Kennedy Meeting
Howard Simon's 1999 play, "James Baldwin: A Soul on Fire," brought the pivotal 1963 meeting between Baldwin and Robert F. Kennedy to the stage. This play revisited the meeting's impact and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.
1999: Le Tigre Song Reference
In 1999, James Baldwin's name appeared in the lyrics of the Le Tigre song 'Hot Topic,' showcasing his influence in popular culture.
2002: 100 Greatest African Americans
In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante included James Baldwin on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans, recognizing his significant contributions.
2005: Postage Stamp Dedication
In 2005, the United States Postal Service created a first-class postage stamp dedicated to James Baldwin, featuring him on the front with a short biography on the back.
August 21, 2010: Death of Lucien Happersberger
Lucien Happersberger, James Baldwin's longtime partner, passed away on August 21, 2010. Happersberger had been a constant presence in Baldwin's life, remaining by his side until his death.
2012: Legacy Walk Induction
In 2012, James Baldwin was inducted into the Legacy Walk, an outdoor public display that celebrates LGBT history and people.
February 2013: Darryl Pinckney's Talk
In February 2013, Darryl Pinckney delivered a talk on James Baldwin to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The New York Review of Books. He highlighted the unique literary quality of Baldwin's early essays.
2014: James Baldwin Place Naming
In 2014, East 128th Street was named 'James Baldwin Place' to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Baldwin's birth. The events included readings of Baldwin's work and an art exhibition.
2014: Rainbow Honor Walk Inauguration
In 2014, James Baldwin was one of the inaugural honorees in the Rainbow Honor Walk, a walk of fame in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood celebrating LGBTQ people who have made significant contributions.
2014: Social Justice Hub Naming
In 2014, The Social Justice Hub at The New School's newly opened University Center was named the Baldwin Rivera Boggs Center after activists James Baldwin, Sylvia Rivera, and Grace Lee Boggs.
2015: Later Novels Edited
In 2015, Darryl Pinckney edited a third volume of Baldwin's work, 'Later Novels,' further contributing to the preservation and recognition of Baldwin's literary contributions.
February 2016: Le Monde Opinion Piece
In February 2016, Le Monde published an opinion piece by Thomas Chatterton Williams, which spurred a group of activists to come together in Paris to preserve James Baldwin's home in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. This effort marked the beginning of renewed activism to save Baldwin's legacy.
June 2016: Shannon Cain's Protest
In June 2016, American writer and activist Shannon Cain squatted at James Baldwin's former home in Saint-Paul-de-Vence for 10 days. This act of political and artistic protest highlighted the ongoing efforts to preserve Baldwin's legacy and convert his home into an artist residency.
2016: Release of 'I Am Not Your Negro'
In 2016, the documentary film 'I Am Not Your Negro,' based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript 'Remember This House,' was released. The film won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.
2016: Release of 'I Am Not Your Negro'
In 2016, Raoul Peck's documentary film 'I Am Not Your Negro' was released, based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript 'Remember This House'. The documentary provided a powerful look at Baldwin's personal recollections of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.
2016: I Am Not Your Negro Release
In 2016, Raoul Peck released the documentary film 'I Am Not Your Negro,' based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript. The film connects the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement.
2017: Essay on Baldwin's Pop Culture Moment
In 2017, Scott Timberg wrote an essay for the Los Angeles Times noting existing cultural references to Baldwin, 30 years after his death, and concluded that Baldwin's work speaks directly to contemporary issues.
2018: Film Adaptation of 'If Beale Street Could Talk'
In 2018, James Baldwin's 1974 novel 'If Beale Street Could Talk' was adapted into a film of the same name, receiving widespread praise.
2018: Publication of 'Me and My House: James Baldwin's Last Decade in France'
In 2018, Magdalena J. Zaborowska published 'Me and My House: James Baldwin's Last Decade in France', a book that explored themes of politics, race, queerness, and domesticity through photographs of Baldwin's home and collections in Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
June 2019: Landmark Designation
In June 2019, Baldwin's residence on the Upper West Side was given landmark designation by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
June 2019: National LGBTQ Wall of Honor Induction
In June 2019, Baldwin was one of the inaugural fifty American 'pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes' inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument in New York City.
June 19, 2019: Paris Council Vote
On June 19, 2019, the Paris Council voted unanimously to name a place in the capital in honor of James Baldwin. The project was confirmed and announced for 2020.
2019: Completion of Apartment Complex
In 2019, construction was completed on an apartment complex that now stands where James Baldwin's home, 'Chez Baldwin', once stood. Despite various efforts, the campaign to preserve the house was ultimately unsuccessful.
2020: Paris Honors Baldwin
In 2020, Paris confirmed the project to name a place in the capital in honor of James Baldwin, as decided by the Paris Council in 2019.
2021: Media Library Naming
In 2021, Paris City Hall announced that the first media library in the 19th arrondissement would be named after James Baldwin, scheduled to open in 2024.
February 1, 2024: Google Doodle Celebration
On February 1, 2024, Google celebrated James Baldwin with a Google Doodle, honoring his impact on literature and civil rights.
May 17, 2024: Blue Plaque Unveiling
On May 17, 2024, a blue plaque was unveiled by Nubian Jak Community Trust/Black History Walks to honor James Baldwin at the site where he visited the C. L. R. James Library in 1985.
2024: Feud: Capote vs. The Swans Appearance
In 2024, James Baldwin appeared as a character in the television series 'Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,' played by Chris Chalk, reflecting his significance in popular culture.
2024: Media Library Opening
In 2024, the first media library in Paris's 19th arrondissement will open, named in honor of James Baldwin.