1901day.year
C. L. R. James
(1901 - 1989)
Trinidadian journalist and theorist
Trinidadian journalist and theorist
Trinidadian historian, journalist, and Marxist theorist whose writings on colonialism, race, and culture influenced global anti-colonial movements.
Born in 1901 in Trinidad, C. L. R. James moved to Britain in the 1930s, where he became a leading voice in Pan-Africanism and Marxist thought. His 1938 work 'The Black Jacobins' detailed the Haitian Revolution, pioneering postcolonial history. James also wrote extensively on cricket in 'Beyond a Boundary', blending sports commentary with social analysis. As a journalist and editor, he advocated for anti-colonial struggles across the Caribbean and Africa, collaborating with movements like the West Indian Federation. His lectures and debates challenged mainstream Marxism to address race and culture. Returning to Trinidad, James continued to write, teach, and mentor younger activists until his death in 1989. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to social justice have left a lasting impact on literature, politics, and cultural studies.
1901
C. L. R. James