National Portrait Gallery Unreveils New Exhibit Honoring The Life Of James Baldwin

On the centennial of James Baldwin’s birth, the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery is launching an exhibit titled “This Morning, This Evening, So Soon: James Baldwin and the Voices of Queer Resistance.” Opening from July 12, 2024, to April 20, 2025, the exhibit honors Baldwin, born on August 2, 1924, in Harlem, New York, by showcasing his profound impact on American history and culture.

Curated by Rhea L. Combs and Hilton Als, the exhibit will feature portraits and media highlighting Baldwin’s influence, focusing on his sexuality, faith, artistic interests, masculinity, and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

It will also include images of Baldwin with other gay civil rights activists and creatives like Beauford Delaney, Essex Hemphill, Marlon Riggs, and Simone.