Born August 2, 1924 in Harlem, New York City. The oldest of nine children during the Great Depression. His first novel, Go Tell it on the Mountain, was published in 1953, receiving incredible success. Following bestsellers, Notes of a Native Son and The Fire Next Time, making him an influential figure in the civil rights movement.

In order to escape the racism and homophobia on high display in the U.S., Baldwin left for Paris. He died in France in 1987, a year after being made a Commander of the French Legion of Honor.

Baldwin’s Core Themes:

• inspired by his tumultuous relationship with his stepfather, Family

• due to his own journey and issue his faith, Spirituality is a common pillar of his pen.

• as a Queer Black Man, he constantly challenges and lends perspective to what it means to be homosexual and Sexuality at-large.