John Howard Griffin
- Born:
- June 16, 1920, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Died:
- September 9, 1980, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Journalist, Writer, Photographer, Musicologist
Early Life and Education
- Griffin was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in a Catholic family.
- He studied in France for a time, showing early musical talent.
- He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.
- He became blind as a result of a war injury in 1947.
Career and Major Achievements
- Known for his immersive journalism, particularly his investigation into racial segregation in the American South.
- In 1959, he darkened his skin and traveled through the South, passing as a Black man.
- His experiences were documented in his book, Black Like Me.
- Black Like Me sparked significant debate and raised awareness about racial issues.
- He regained his sight in 1957, two years before his famous experiment.
- Contributed articles and photography to various publications.
- Worked to promote racial understanding and social justice.
- Several biographical sketches exist, including a greenwood press biography dedicated to his life and work.
Notable Works
- Books:
- The Devil Rides Outside (1952)
- Nuni (1956)
- Black Like Me (1961)
- Land of the High Sky (1959)
- A Time to Be Human (1966)
- The Church and the Black Man (1969)
Legacy and Impact
John Howard Griffin's Black Like Me remains a significant contribution to the literature of the Civil Rights Movement. He used his body to experience racism firsthand, forever changing the landscape of journalism and impacting how the world views race relations. His courage and dedication to social justice continue to inspire.