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 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

November 11, 1948: Baldwin moved to Paris

On November 11, 1948, with funding from a Rosenwald Fellowship, Baldwin flew from New York to Paris. He gave most of the scholarship funds to his mother and hoped for a more peaceable existence there.

1954: Fellowships and Publication of The Amen Corner

In 1954, James Baldwin accepted a fellowship at the MacDowell writer's colony in New Hampshire and won a Guggenheim Fellowship. Additionally, his three-act play "The Amen Corner" was published that year.

The Amen Corner: A Play

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1986: Baldwin made a Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur

In 1986, James Baldwin was honored by the French government with the title of Commandeur de la Légion d'Honneur, recognizing his significant contributions to literature and his impact on social and cultural discourse.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.