John Howard Griffin stands as a significant figure in American literature and social activism, primarily remembered for his groundbreaking work, Black Like Me. Born on June 16, 1920, in Dallas, Texas, Griffin’s life was marked by a profound engagement with music, literature, and ultimately, the pressing issues of racial injustice in mid-20th century America. This exploration into the life of John Howard Griffin reveals a complex individual driven by intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to human understanding.
From an early age, Griffin’s upbringing nurtured his artistic inclinations. His mother, Lena May (Young) Griffin, a classically trained pianist, instilled in him a lifelong love for music, teaching piano for three decades in Fort Worth. His father, John Walter Griffin, an Irish tenor and former radio personality, further enriched his appreciation for the arts. This familial environment fostered Griffin’s pursuit of classical education abroad. At fifteen, he embarked on a journey to France, attending the Lycée Descartes in Tours, and furthering his studies in French literature at the University of Poitiers. His academic pursuits extended to medicine at the École de Médecine and musicology, earning certificates from the Conservatoire de Fontainebleau under renowned musicians like Nadia Boulanger and Robert Casadesus. His specialization in medieval music, particularly Gregorian chant, led him to further studies at the Benedictine Abbey of Solemnes.
Griffin’s early adulthood was also defined by courageous service and profound personal challenges. At nineteen, he joined the French Resistance, working as a medic to evacuate Austrian Jews from Nazi persecution. His service continued in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was decorated for bravery. Tragically, he sustained injuries during the war that resulted in the loss of his sight in 1946. This period of blindness, lasting until 1957, became a transformative chapter in John Howard Griffin‘s life. Despite his visual impairment, he embarked on a prolific writing career, penning five novels and commencing a journal that would eventually span twenty volumes.
Upon regaining his sight in 1957, John Howard Griffin channeled his experiences and observations into a diverse body of literary work. His published books include novels such as The Devil Rides Outside (1952) and Nuni (1956), and non-fiction works like Land of the High Sky (1959), a tribute to the Llano Estacado region of Texas. He also explored religious and social themes in The Church and the Black Man (1969) and A Time to be Human (1977). His talents extended to photography, contributing to Jacques Maritain: Homage in Words and Pictures (1974) and Twelve Photographic Portraits (1973). Furthermore, he became a noted scholar on Thomas Merton, authoring several books including A Hidden Wholeness (1970) and Follow the Ecstasy: Thomas Merton, the Hermitage Years, 1965–1968 (1983). From 1957 to 1960, Griffin also engaged with a wider audience through syndicated columns for the International News Service and King Features.
However, it is Black Like Me (1961) that cemented John Howard Griffin‘s place in literary and social history. This seminal work documented his daring experiment of temporarily altering his skin color to experience life as a Black man in the racially segregated South. For six weeks in 1959, Griffin traveled through several Southern states, confronting firsthand the pervasive discrimination and injustice faced by African Americans. Originally serialized in Sepia magazine in 1960, Black Like Me became an immediate bestseller upon its book publication. The book resonated deeply with readers, bringing the harsh realities of racial segregation to a national and international audience, and has since been translated into thirteen languages.
The impact of Black Like Me was not without controversy. John Howard Griffin and his family faced significant backlash and protests, eventually leading them to move to Mexico for a period before returning to Fort Worth. Despite the personal challenges, Griffin remained committed to social justice and human rights. His contributions were recognized through numerous awards, including the Saturday Review Anisfield Wolf Award, the Christian Culture Series Award, and the National Council of Negro Women’s Award. He was a co-recipient, alongside John F. Kennedy, of the prestigious Pope John XXIII Pacem in Terris Award. He also received honorary doctorates from Bellarmine University and Marycrest College. A devoted Catholic, Griffin converted in 1952 and became a Third Order Carmelite. He was also a lifelong Democrat and a member of various professional organizations, including the American Society of Magazine Photographers and the Royal Academy of Photographers.
John Howard Griffin‘s personal life also reflected his global experiences. He married a woman from Nuni Island during his time in the Pacific during World War II and later married Elizabeth Ann Holland in 1953, with whom he had four children. He remained a resident of Fort Worth, Texas, until his death on September 9, 1980.
In conclusion, John Howard Griffin‘s life was a testament to the power of empathy, intellectual engagement, and artistic expression. From his early immersion in music and literature to his courageous exploration of racial injustice in Black Like Me, Griffin left an indelible mark on American society and literature. His work continues to be relevant, prompting ongoing conversations about race, identity, and the human condition.
