How James Baldwin Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by James Baldwin—a timeline of influence.

James Baldwin was a prominent African-American writer and civil rights activist. Known for his eloquent prose and insightful social commentary, Baldwin's essays, novels, and plays explored themes of race, sexuality, class, and identity in America. His works like "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Notes of a Native Son" solidified his place as a major literary figure and a powerful voice during the Civil Rights Movement. Baldwin challenged societal norms and confronted the complexities of the American experience, leaving a lasting impact on literature and the fight for social justice.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1967: Baldwin is fictionalized in The Man Who Cried I Am

In 1967, James Baldwin was fictionalized as the character Marion Dawes in John A. Williams' novel, "The Man Who Cried I Am."

The Man Who Cried I Am: A Novel

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1969: Angelou credits Baldwin for setting the stage for her autobiography

In 1969, Maya Angelou credited James Baldwin for "setting the stage" for her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", acknowledging his influence on her work and her perspective as a Black writer.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

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1987: National James Baldwin Literary Society founded

In 1987, Kevin Brown founded the National James Baldwin Literary Society in Baltimore. The society organizes free public events to celebrate Baldwin's life and legacy, ensuring his work continues to be recognized and appreciated.

1990: Lawsuit against Baldwin's Estate Dropped

By 1990, McGraw-Hill dropped its lawsuit against James Baldwin's estate to recover the $200,000 advance for the unfinished manuscript "Remember This House".

1992: Hampshire College establishes James Baldwin Scholars program

In 1992, Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, established the James Baldwin Scholars program (JBS). This urban outreach initiative honors Baldwin, who taught at the college in the early 1980s, by providing talented students of color with the support they need to succeed in college.

1996: Baldwin referenced in Spike Lee's Get on the Bus

In Spike Lee's 1996 film "Get on the Bus", a Black gay character mentions James Baldwin, indicating his importance as a figure of inspiration and representation within the Black LGBTQ+ community.

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1998: Morrison edits Baldwin's fiction and essays

In 1998, Toni Morrison edited the Library of America's first two volumes of James Baldwin's work: "Early Novels & Stories" and "Collected Essays", underscoring Baldwin's significance in American literature.

James Baldwin: Early Novels and Stories: Go Tell It on a Mountain / Giovanni's Room / Another Country / Going to Meet the Man

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1999: James Baldwin: A Soul on Fire play

In 1999, Howard Simon's play "James Baldwin: A Soul on Fire" discussed the meeting between James Baldwin, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and other civil rights figures, shedding light on civil rights as a moral and political issue.

JAMES BALDWIN A SOUL ON FIRE a short play by HOWARD B. SIMON

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1999: Baldwin mentioned in Le Tigre song

In 1999, James Baldwin's name appeared in the lyrics of the Le Tigre song "Hot Topic", recognizing him as an influential figure in discussions of social and cultural issues.

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2002: James Baldwin on the list of 100 Greatest African Americans

In 2002, scholar Molefi Kete Asante included James Baldwin on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans, celebrating his significant contributions to literature, culture, and civil rights.

2005: United States Postal Service creates postage stamp dedicated to Baldwin

In 2005, the United States Postal Service honored James Baldwin with a first-class postage stamp. The stamp featured Baldwin's image on the front, with a brief biography on the back, recognizing his impact and legacy.

2012: Baldwin inducted into the Legacy Walk

In 2012, James Baldwin was inducted into the Legacy Walk, an outdoor public display that celebrates LGBT history and people, recognizing his contributions to the LGBTQ+ community and his importance as a historical figure.

February 2013: Pinckney speaks on Baldwin's works

In February 2013, Darryl Pinckney celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of The New York Review of Books with a talk on James Baldwin, highlighting Baldwin's unique literary style and profound impact as a Black writer.

2014: "James Baldwin Place" named in Harlem

In 2014, East 128th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues in Harlem was named "James Baldwin Place" to commemorate the 90th anniversary of James Baldwin's birth. The event included readings of his works and an art exhibition, with participation from family, community members, and notable figures.

2014: Baldwin is honored in Rainbow Honor Walk

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. This recognized LGBTQ people who have made significant contributions in their fields.

2014: The Social Justice Hub named the Baldwin Rivera Boggs Center

In 2014, The Social Justice Hub at The New School's University Center was named the Baldwin Rivera Boggs Center after activists James Baldwin, Sylvia Rivera, and Grace Lee Boggs, honoring their contributions to social justice.

2015: Later Novels edited by Darryl Pinckney

In 2015, the third volume of James Baldwin's works, "Later Novels", was edited by Darryl Pinckney. Pinckney emphasized Baldwin's unique literary style, describing it as a blend of Henry James, the Bible, and Harlem.

James Baldwin: Later Novels (LOA #272): Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone / If Beale Street Could Talk / Just Above My Head (Library of America James Baldwin Edition)

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February 2016: Le Monde publishes opinion piece by Thomas Chatterton Williams

In February 2016, Le Monde published an opinion piece by Thomas Chatterton Williams, spurring activists to come together in Paris to save James Baldwin's house.

June 2016: Shannon Cain Squats at Chez Baldwin

In June 2016, American writer and activist Shannon Cain squatted at Chez Baldwin for 10 days in an act of political and artistic protest.

2016: Raoul Peck releases documentary I Am Not Your Negro

In 2016, Raoul Peck released his documentary film "I Am Not Your Negro". The film is based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, "Remember This House", and examines Black history, representation in Hollywood, and the connections between the Civil Rights Movement and Black Lives Matter.

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2016: Release of I Am Not Your Negro

In 2016, Raoul Peck released the documentary film "I Am Not Your Negro", based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript "Remember This House".

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2017: Los Angeles Times essay notes Baldwin's cultural relevance

In 2017, Scott Timberg's essay in the Los Angeles Times, "30 years after his death, James Baldwin is having a new pop culture moment", highlighted James Baldwin's ongoing relevance and influence in contemporary culture, comparing his work to that of George Orwell.

2018: Publication of Me and My House: James Baldwin's Last Decade in France

In 2018, Magdalena J. Zaborowska's book, "Me and My House: James Baldwin's Last Decade in France", was published, using photographs of his home and collections to discuss politics, race, queerness, and domesticity.

2018: Release of 'If Beale Street Could Talk' Film Adaptation

In 2018, the film adaptation of Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk was released, earning widespread praise.

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June 2019: Baldwin inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor

In June 2019, James Baldwin was inducted on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument (SNM) in New York City's Stonewall Inn, marking him as one of the inaugural "pioneers, trailblazers, and heroes" recognized for their contributions to LGBTQ rights and history.

June 2019: Baldwin's residence given landmark designation

In June 2019, James Baldwin's residence on the Upper West Side received landmark designation by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving his legacy and impact.

June 19, 2019: Paris votes to name a place in honor of Baldwin

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 the year 2020, celebrating his impact and legacy.

2019: Apartment Complex Built on Site of Chez Baldwin

In 2019, construction was completed on the apartment complex that now stands where Chez Baldwin once stood, after attempts to preserve the house failed.

2021: Paris names media library after Baldwin

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. The library aimed to honor his contributions to literature and culture.

February 1, 2024: Baldwin portrayed in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans

In 2024, James Baldwin appeared as a character in the television series "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans", portrayed by Chris Chalk. This reflects Baldwin's enduring cultural significance and historical presence.

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February 1, 2024: Google celebrates James Baldwin with a Google Doodle

On February 1, 2024, Google celebrated James Baldwin with a Google Doodle, honoring his legacy and impact as a writer and activist.

May 17, 2024: Plaque Unveiled to Honour Baldwin

On May 17, 2024, a blue plaque was unveiled by Nubian Jak Community Trust/Black History Walks to honour James Baldwin at the site where he visited the C. L. R. James Library in the London Borough of Hackney in 1985.

August 2, 2024: Exhibition Opened in Honor of Baldwin's Birth Centennial

On August 2, 2024, The New York Public Library's Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture opened an exhibition, "JIMMY! God's Black Revolutionary Mouth" in honor of the centennial of James Baldwin's birth. It is scheduled to run until February 28, 2025, accompanied by a series of public events and an exhibition of some of his manuscripts in a related exhibition "James Baldwin: Mountain to Fire" as part of the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures.

2024: Value of Baldwin's grant in 2024

In 1948, Baldwin received a $1,500 grant, equivalent to $19,631 in 2024.

2024: Paris media library to be named after Baldwin

In 2024, the first media library in the 19th arrondissement of Paris is scheduled to open and be named after James Baldwin, as announced by Paris City Hall in 2021. The library honors his literary and cultural contributions.