Thursday Google doodle celebrates author James Baldwin: Find out why

Google honored James Baldwin with a Google Doodle to celebrate his centennial birthday, acknowledging his contributions to literature and civil rights.

In celebration of the beginning of Black History Month, Google paid tribute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of author and civil rights activist James Baldwin with a Google Doodle on Thursday.

The search engine expressed gratitude to James Baldwin for his significant contributions to the literary world, noting that his voice has had a profound impact on the way we approach discussions of identity and social justice.

The Google Doodle was created by guest artist Jon Key, who imagined Baldwin writing one of his novels or essays at his kitchen table. Baldwin, born in 1924 in New York City and raised in Harlem, often took care of his younger siblings and was a frequent visitor to the New York Public Library from a young age, according to Google. He published poems, short stories, and plays in his high school magazine and developed a passion and talent for writing.

Despite facing challenges, Baldwin persevered and took on odd jobs to support his family while working towards his goal of completing his first novel, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," which took 12 years to write. The novel was well-received and has been included in many lists of the best novels of the 20th century.

Baldwin moved to Paris for a fellowship at the age of 24 and published his second novel, "Giovanni's Room," which was ahead of its time in its portrayal of homosexuality. Over the years, Baldwin continued to publish essays and novels addressing American racism, including "If Beale Street Could Talk," which was adapted into a highly acclaimed movie in 2018.

An active voice in the Civil Rights movement, Baldwin spoke out against racial injustices in the United States, and his impact extended beyond any accolades he received. He was awarded the highest French commendation and earned recognition for his contributions to literature and journalism.

James Baldwin's influence is immeasurable, as his works provided representation for marginalized voices and inspired civil rights leaders who made lasting impacts on society. His family still remembers him fondly and his family home is now a national landmark in Manhattan.

James Baldwin's legacy lives on, and his powerful voice continues to resonate with readers and activists around the world.