Being gay, dark-skinned, and poor in the early 20th century could have led to some unfortunate end for James Baldwin – but he was able to achieve his dreams through his obedient commitment to love. How did love for himself, his community, and for a better Black future transform his life?
Baldwin’s childhood was characterized by the church and his domineering stepfather, but he found his voice and passion in writing. He decided to follow what he loved – and it became his saving grace.
A writing fellowship led him to Paris, and it was with the distance from America that he finally saw himself: "I [saw] where I came from very clearly … I am the grandson of a slave, and I am a writer. I must deal with both," Baldwin once told The New York Times.
Baldwin saw all the glory, beauty, and tragedy of his childhood upbringing – despite how poor, devastating and oppressive it was. Still, he treated his own life, people, and history with powerful love. With this lens, he wrote his first book, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and became an acclaimed success.
James Baldwin remained true to all that he was, no matter how difficult. His self-determination and honest love should inspire us to pursue everything we dream of, regardless of where we came from.