James Baldwin was an American novelist, playwright, poet and social critic. He was born in the New York City neighbourhood of Harlem, the first of nine children. James’s stepfather was very strict and was opposed to his desire to become a writer. However, James was determined to pursue his dream, and he found support from some of his teachers who recognised that he had exceptional talent and encouraged him in his writing and research. Later, he befriended Beauford Delaney, a modernist painter who would become a lifelong friend and mentor. He showed James that a man of colour could make a living doing his craft. The works of Richard Wright also influenced James.

Although James had some early relationships with women, he later came out as gay. He lived and worked in Paris from 1948 until 1957, and upon his return to the US, he became involved in the civil rights movement. James wrote about things that made many people uncomfortable, including the struggles of Black people in the US and the problems of the times, particularly racism. During his life, he experienced racial discrimination and courageously spoke out about this in his writings. Some of his books also dealt with taboo themes, including being gay and interracial relationships. James did not allow the views of society to stop him from writing about characters who were gay and bisexual. During civil rights campaigns, he also marched alongside other African Americans, such as Martin Luther King Jr.