James Baldwin's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of James Baldwin. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
James Baldwin was a prominent African-American writer and civil rights activist known for his insightful essays, novels, and plays. His works, such as *Go Tell It on the Mountain* and *Notes of a Native Son*, explored themes of race, sexuality, and identity in America. Baldwin's powerful voice and eloquent prose made him a significant figure in the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for human equality and challenging societal norms through his writing and public speaking.
November 11, 1948: Moves to Paris
On November 11, 1948, James Baldwin moved to Paris, France, after receiving a Rosenwald Fellowship, seeking a more peaceful existence away from the racial discrimination in America.
1954: Fellowships and Publication of The Amen Corner
In 1954, James Baldwin accepted a fellowship at the MacDowell writer's colony, won a Guggenheim Fellowship, and published his three-act play The Amen Corner.
1955: Publication of 'Notes of a Native Son'
In 1955, James Baldwin's essay collection 'Notes of a Native Son' was published, solidifying his reputation as an important voice for human equality.
May 17, 1963: Baldwin on the Cover of Time Magazine
On May 17, 1963, Time magazine featured Baldwin on the cover, recognizing his incisive analysis of white racism and his eloquent descriptions of the Negro's pain and frustration.
1963: Publication of The Fire Next Time and Rise to Prominence
In 1963, Baldwin's essay "Down at the Cross," later known as "The Fire Next Time," was published. The essay landed Baldwin on the cover of Time magazine and established him as a prominent spokesperson for civil rights.
March 1965: Baldwin Joins Selma to Montgomery Marches
In March 1965, James Baldwin joined marchers in the Selma to Montgomery Marches, walking 50 miles to the capitol in Montgomery under federal troop protection, advocating for civil rights.
1965: Debate with William F. Buckley
In 1965, Baldwin debated William F. Buckley at the Cambridge Union on whether the American dream had been achieved at the expense of African Americans, with the student body voting overwhelmingly in Baldwin's favor.
1986: Baldwin Honored by France
In 1986, James Baldwin was made a Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur by the French government.
2002: Baldwin on List of Greatest African Americans
In 2002, James Baldwin was included on Molefi Kete Asante's list of 100 Greatest African Americans.
2005: Baldwin Honored with Postage Stamp
In 2005, the United States Postal Service created a first-class postage stamp dedicated to James Baldwin.
2012: Baldwin Inducted into Legacy Walk
In 2012, James Baldwin was inducted into the Legacy Walk, celebrating LGBT history and people.
2014: Street Named After Baldwin
In 2014, East 128th Street between Fifth and Madison Avenues was named "James Baldwin Place" in Harlem to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Baldwin's birth.
2014: Baldwin Honored in Rainbow Honor Walk
In 2014, James Baldwin was one of the inaugural honorees in the Rainbow Honor Walk in San Francisco's Castro neighborhood.
2016: Release of 'I Am Not Your Negro' Documentary
In 2016, the documentary film 'I Am Not Your Negro', expanded and adapted from James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript 'Remember This House', was released and later won the BAFTA Award for Best Documentary.
June 2019: Baldwin Inducted on National LGBTQ Wall of Honor
In June 2019, James Baldwin was one of the inaugural inductees on the National LGBTQ Wall of Honor within the Stonewall National Monument.
June 2019: Baldwin's Residence Given Landmark Designation
In June 2019, James Baldwin's residence on the Upper West Side was given landmark designation by New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
June 19, 2019: Paris to Honor James Baldwin
On June 19, 2019, the city of Paris confirmed its plan to honor James Baldwin with a dedicated place in the capital.
2021: Baldwin's Name for Paris Media Library
In 2021, Paris City Hall announced that James Baldwin's name would be given to the first media library in the 19th arrondissement, scheduled to open in 2024.
February 1, 2024: Google Celebrates James Baldwin with Doodle
On February 1, 2024, Google celebrated James Baldwin with a Google Doodle.
May 17, 2024: Blue Plaque Honors Baldwin
On May 17, 2024, a blue plaque was unveiled by Nubian Jak Community Trust/Black History Walks to honour Baldwin at the site where he visited the C. L. R. James Library in the London Borough of Hackney.
August 2, 2024: "JIMMY! God's Black Revolutionary Mouth" Opens
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 James Baldwin's centennial.
