Born on August 2, 1924, James Baldwin published his first essay at 13 years old in the Douglas Post.
He is described by some as simply a cultural critic and writer. But he was much more than that even though his works give some of the most unique insight into daily black life that has ever been published in the English language. As was the norm then, Baldwin was called ‘Jimmy’ by family members.
The oldest of nine children, he was responsible for taking care of his younger siblings most of the time. His brilliant mind had teachers and other adults take special notice. Everywhere he went, Baldwin caught someone’s eye. Whether it was for his articulate oration or his ability to communicate in the written form, he always stood out.
I Am Not Your Negro – Official Trailer
Now on iTunes: http://bit.ly/IANYNiTunes Amazon Video: http://bit.ly/IANYNAmazonVideo Google Play: http://bit.ly/IANYNGooglePlay Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesbaldwinmovie In his new film, director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished – a radical narration about race in America, using the writer’s original words.
He wrote the school song for PS 24 in Harlem, he wrote a play that was directed by a school teacher when he was nine years old, published the piece in the Douglas Post when he was in middle school, and acted as the literary editor for the school magazine while attending DeWitt Clinton High School.
It was clear early on that Baldwin had an exceptional mind.
Among his most celebrated works are Go Tell It On The Mountain, The Fire Next Time, No Name in the Street, The Devil Finds Work and Notes of a Native Son. James Baldwin, social activist, orator, critic and author, died December 1, 1987 at the age of 63.
