02/21/2026
Our Black History Month series continues as we highlight influential voices who shaped history and challenged America to do better.
Today we honor James Baldwin — one of the greatest American writers and thinkers of all time.
A brilliant novelist, essayist, and social critic, Baldwin confronted the realities of racism and homophobia with clarity, courage, and moral force. During his life, he was one of the very few openly gay men active in the civil rights movement.
Baldwin was present at the March on Washington in 1963 and the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965. He maintained close relationships with both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X — and was working on a screenplay about Malcolm X when he received news of Dr. King’s assassination.
Through his words and witness, Baldwin challenged the nation to face uncomfortable truths — and his voice remains just as urgent today.
Follow along as we continue spotlighting leaders who transformed history.
