James Baldwin encountered significant obstacles as an African American writer in the 20th century, including racial discrimination and societal marginalization. Growing up in Harlem, Baldwin faced the harsh realities of prejudice, which influenced his literary work. His experiences in Europe, where he confronted both racial tensions and a sense of freedom, allowed him to reflect on identity and belonging. These challenges informed his writings, such as "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "The Fire Next Time," addressing racial and social injustice with profound insight and eloquence, earning him a legacy as a crucial voice in American literature.