James Baldwin Research Paper

In the words of James Baldwin, “I am what time, circumstance, history, have made of me, certainly, but I am also, much more than that. So are we all.” As an author, playwright, and civil rights activist Baldwin saw much of the reality of the world through a magnifying lens and portrayed it all through his art. Born to single mother, Emma Jones, in 1924 Harlem James Baldwin lacked a relationship with his biological father, but took refuge in an almost father-son relationship with his stepfather, David Baldwin. Like many families in the thirties, a time riddled with racism and economic and financial instability, the Baldwin’s were poor, in addition to being black. Having a father figure who was a Baptist minister, James was exposed to life in

“James Baldwin”). Many of Baldwin’s critics believe that he was at odds with his sexuality and his beliefs and that is why he could not find sanctuary in the Pentecostal church. In fact, his style of writing is the most significant testament to the impact the religious period of his life had on him because his writing makes readers question faith and the way it divides, but also brings people closer together. “Critics and Baldwin himself have said the Christian holy book, The Bible, influenced his writing. Critics have also said he writes the way African-American clergy speak in church” (VOA. “James Baldwin Wrote About Race and Identity In America”). Throughout his books and commentary pieces, Baldwin repeatedly points out that Christianity is responsible for supporting slavery and calls out black Christians who use it as an excuse to live comfortably with oppression. However, he does not fail to give credit where it is due: Baldwin expresses his gratitude toward Christianity for helping the African-American community come together in order to protect themselves from racism (VOA. “James Baldwin Wrote About Race and Identity In

After his father died in the summer of 1943 he relocated to Greenwich village, a.k.a “artists heaven” on the west side of lower Manhattan where he spent most of his time as a freelance writer, trying to get exposure. With the help of novelist Richard Wright, Baldwin was able to secure a grant that paid his bills and helped keep his head above water. He acquired a fellowship a few years later that prompted his relocation to Paris, France. There he began his journey of self-discovery as his distance from the United States allowed him the creative space to write about his own history and the experiences of the black body in a white America. In an interview with New York Times, Baldwin says, “Once I found myself on the other side of the ocean, I see where I came from very clearly… I am the grandson of a slave, and I am a writer. I must deal with both. (Biography. “James Baldwin”). His first novel, Go Tell It On The Mountain, is recognized as an American classic because it was one of the first to describe the struggles of black Americans. His books, Notes Of A Native Son, Nobody Knows My Name, Giovanni’s Room and Another Country, all encompass social issues of the time. This includes racism, homosexuality, interracial relationships, and religion. When the Civil Rights Movement began to pick up,