In his essay "Journey to Atlanta," Baldwin references the Progressive Party of the United States. Investigate the history of this political party. Who were its candidates? What were its key platform issues? Did the party ever succeed in electing one of its candidates? During what period was the party active? Which contemporary party, if any, is most similar to it?

Read Richard Wright’s novel Native Son while keeping Baldwin’s essays "Everybody’s Protest Novel" and "Many Thousands Gone" in mind. Do you concur with Baldwin’s critique of Wright’s work? Write a brief paper presenting your conclusions and arguments.

Investigate the history of Harlem. Who were its earliest settlers? Outline the major demographic changes over the years. When did the riots occur? What is Harlem like today?

Baldwin wrote Notes of a Native Son in his twenties and The Fire Next Time over a decade later. Select an essay from his second collection that best illustrates a change in voice or attitude. Compare it to a specific essay from Notes of A Native Son. Is his later writing clearer? More accessible? Have his beliefs evolved?