James Baldwin: Google honors the American writer and civil rights activist

On February 1, 1998, The Collected Works of James Baldwin was published. To celebrate his anniversary, Google honored him with a doodle – An illustration of Baldwin decorates the letters of the search engine.

Throughout his life, Baldwin addressed topics such as: Racism and sexism, which is still very relevant to society. His texts are distinguished by his personal style. He talked about topics such as black and gay identity and the social and psychological pressures this creates.

The Life of James Baldwin

Born on August 2, 1924 in New York City, James Baldwin grew up in Harlem and helped raise his eight siblings. As a teenager, he became a minister and began writing for his high school magazine, which sparked his passion for writing.

In his late teens and early twenties, he worked odd jobs to support his family while working on his first novel. Go Tell It on the Mountain is now considered one of the most important novels written in the English language of the twentieth century.

At the age of twenty-four, Baldwin moved to Paris, where he could write more freely about his personal experiences. His essays and second novel, Giovanni's Room, brought a profound portrayal of homosexuality into mainstream culture.

Baldwin continued to write works that addressed racism in America, including If Beale Street Could Talk, which was later made into an Academy Award-winning film. In 1986 he was awarded a medal Commander of the Legion of Honor He was awarded the highest French Order of Merit.

Baldwin died on December 1, 1987 in France.