“Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.” James Baldwin, 1924-1987 💙 We are honoring James Baldwin during this year’s Black History Month spotlight. Baldwin was an American writer and civil rights activist who is best known for his semi-autobiographical novels and plays that center on race, politics, and sexuality. His works helped to raise public awareness of racial and sexual oppression. Raised in Harlem, Baldwin spoke of his experience living there, “I knew I was black, of course, but I also knew I was smart. I didn’t know how I would use my mind, or even if I could, but that was the only thing I had to use.” In 1956, Baldwin published Giovanni’s Room, a novel that drew criticism for its depiction of homosexuality. This book is often cited as one of the most important queer novels ever written. In the 70s and 80s, Baldwin boldly and openly wrote about homosexuality and homophobia in several essays. Check out Baldwin’s writing: ...