In this play, Childress highlights several influential African-American figures in politics and culture. Choose one of these individuals to research further. Create a biographical sketch of this person. What contributions did they make to African-American history and culture? What challenges did they face to achieve their goals? How might you consider this individual a role model in your own life? The figures mentioned in the play include: Martin Luther King, Jr.; Frederick Douglass; Harriet Tubman; Malcolm X; Muhammad Ali; Paul Laurence Dunbar; LeRoi Jones (also known as Amiri Baraka); and Margaret Walker.

Wine in the Wilderness is set in Harlem amid a race riot. The United States has experienced several race riots, including those in Memphis and New Orleans in 1866; Springfield, Illinois in 1908; East St. Louis, Illinois, in 1917; Chicago in 1919; and Detroit in 1943. Investigate the history of one of these riots. What events immediately triggered the riot? How did it begin? How did law enforcement and government officials react? What were the results of the riot (How long did it last? How many casualties and injuries occurred? What was the extent of property damage, etc.)? What larger political and social issues were being protested or expressed during the riot? How might these issues have been addressed through effective, nonviolent action? Were there any social or political changes following the riot?

Select a five to ten-page segment from Wine in the Wilderness for a group performance. How does performing this scene help you gain a deeper understanding of the character and their motivations? How does this insight enhance your comprehension of the play's main themes? In what ways is the play's message more impactful when performed as a dramatic scene?

In the play, an artist creates a "triptych" (a series of three paintings linked by a common theme) to convey a social and political perspective on the status of African-American women. Create your own "triptych" to express your concerns about a specific social or political issue. How does this series of images effectively communicate your thoughts, ideas, and emotions about the issue?

This play explores the dynamics between African-American men and women, addressing specific tensions, concerns, and points of harmony in their relationships. Write a theatrical scene that conveys your perspectives on romantic relationships within your community or peer group. Perform the scene with a group of students and discuss the ideas presented through this dramatic expression of your concerns.

In Wine in the Wilderness, Childress explores the portrayal of African-American women in art. These themes can also be examined across other visual media, such as movies, TV shows, and fashion magazines. Choose a film, television series, or magazine that features images of African-American women. Alternatively, you might find a painting depicting African-American women in a local museum or an art book. How does this visual portrayal align with the artist's vision of African-American women as depicted in the play? In what ways does this image serve as a positive representation of African-American women? Conversely, in what ways does it perpetuate negative or stereotypical views of African-American women? Write an essay or report based on your observations, and if possible, include the images you are analyzing in your project.