At a time when Black Americans were being silenced, oppressed and persecuted, American author and poet James Baldwin emerged as one of the most important voices in history. The Harlem-born essayist found a way to beautifully articulate the consequences that would soon follow if this society failed to address its growing imperfections.

Throughout those same bodies of work, he would bring attention to personal conflicts, writing about his struggles with sexuality and religion, in addition to other troubles. In the same manner some Black Americans see prolific activists as influential to their political ideologies, Baldwin revolutionized literature at a time when this country was undergoing a major and necessary overhaul.

The limit does not exist when it comes to the phenomenal impact Baldwin had during his 63 years on earth, but the following five projects might be considered some of his finest pieces of work:

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