Born in 1924, Baldwin’s novels, short stories, poems, essays and plays largely explore racial issues and human relationships. His work established him as a major intellectual figure during the years of the civil rights movement in America.

Henry Pankey, vice president of Emergency Preparedness at the USPS will dedicate the stamp and paid this tribute to the late author: "His fervent voice in 20th century American literature forced us to think about issues affecting our great nation, and his leadership in the civil rights movement continues to be an inspiration today."

Baldwin Quotes:

"American history is longer, larger, more various, more beautiful, and more terrible than anything anyone has ever said about it."

"It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have."

"Anyone who has struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor."