James Baldwin James Baldwin, one of America’s most renowned and appreciated authors, broke through the barriers of early 20th century Semitism with grace and ease that will always be recognized. Although Baldwin faced opposition and hard times because of his risqué lifestyle, he triumphed and became one of the best African-American authors the 20th century ever saw. In 1924 Harlem, Baldwin was born an illegitimate child to Emma Jones, who 3 years later married David Baldwin. David Baldwin, the stepfather of James, was a very strict preacher from New Orleans who later became the center of conflict in James’ life and also the main character in much of his work. In 1938, at