Biography

James Arthur Baldwin (1924-1987) was born in Harlem, NY on August 2, 1924, to Emma Berdis Jones, originally from Deal Island, MD.  Apart from his being of the greatest novelist, essayist, dramatist, poet, and civil rights activist in the history of American letters, Baldwin’s connection to Maryland runs from the matrilineal line—his mother was from the Eastern Shore of Maryland.  His 1965 collection of eight short stories Going to Meet the Man, is believed to have been influenced by familial talk of Eastern Shore lynchings.  Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Between the World and Me was inspired by Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time. 

James Baldwin, celebrated as a novelist, essayist, and activist, left an indelible mark on the literary historical, and social landscape throughout his prolific career. On August 2, 2024, we will celebrate the centennial of his birth. His enduring cultural significance resonates powerfully in contemporary times. The conference will spotlight his versatility in terms of style, genre, and socio-political concerns, emphasizing the importance of Baldwin’s life, work, and literary relations. A pivotal focus will be on examinations of his writings, providing profound insights into his life and experiences. Baldwin's global explorations, from the United States to France and Turkey, profoundly influenced his literary works.

Beyond his literary pursuits, he emerged as an activist for the LGBTQIA+ and Black communities, contributing his voice as an openly gay figure and to the realm of Black radical resistance during the US Civil Rights era. Today, his writings remain a spirited force in addressing the concerns of LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black men, and the sociopolitical struggles of Blacks worldwide.