Celebrating 100 Years of James Baldwin.

James Baldwin: Mountain to Fire is a celebration of the life and work of one of the most influential writers and activists of the 20th century. The New York Public Library is hosting special exhibitions, free programs, book giveaways, and more in honor of what would have been Baldwin’s 100th birthday. This event is a unique opportunity to explore the extraordinary rise of James Baldwin through some of the library’s most treasured holdings.

James Baldwin was a prolific writer who tackled important issues such as race, spirituality, and humanity in his novels and essays. Born in Harlem in 1924, Baldwin faced many challenges growing up but overcame them to become one of the greatest literary voices of his time. His early experiences with discrimination and poverty shaped his writing and fueled his passion for social justice.

Baldwin’s move to Paris in 1948 marked a turning point in his career as he found inspiration and support in the vibrant artistic community there. He continued to write essays and novels that challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries. His works like Go Tell It on the Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, and The Fire Next Time are still studied today for their powerful insights into race relations.

Join us at the New York Public Library to celebrate James Baldwin’s legacy and explore his vast archive of personal papers at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. This event is not just a commemoration but also an opportunity to learn from one of history’s most important voices on race, identity, and social justice.

James Baldwin: Mountain to Fire

Now on View | Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Explore the extraordinary rise of James Baldwin at the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures. Discover never-before-exhibited literary manuscripts from the early years of Baldwin’s writing career—including draft pages from Go Tell It on the Mountain, Giovanni’s Room, and The Fire Next Time—alongside other remarkable items from the collection of James Baldwin stewarded by the Schomburg Center.