1) James Baldwin was an African American author who wrote about equality for all people and struggled with his identities as an African American and homosexual. 2) His first novel Giovanni's Room addressed homosexuality and was controversial for its time. 3) His story Sonny's Blues is about overcoming addiction and self-discovery through music. 4) There has been progress since Baldwin's time for both African American and gay rights, including the election of the first African American president, but more work remains to achieve full equality.

1. James Baldwin’s Fight For Injustice in Americaby Kyrus Jones

2. Against InjusticeAfrican American author who wrote about equality for all menHe gave hope to all people who went through struggles of raceBaldwin believed in the religion of loveWant to be accepted as an African American and homosexual

3. Identity

4. Giovanni’s RoomWas the first novel of its typeIs about a white male who struggles with homosexualityBaldwin’s publisher told him to “burn the manuscript”Has been criticized by many authors for this novel

6. Sonny’s Blues A story about discovering who you are, copping with pain, fighting addiction and loving yourselfSonny is a musician who got addicted to heroin and locked in jailOnce he got out of jail he gave up drugs and released all his emotion through his musicSonny found who he was and overcame the obstacle that stood in his way

8. Where did it us?How far has America come?

9. Progression for African AmericansThere has been great progression since Baldwin’s first release in the 1950’sThe civil rights movement made it possible for African Americans to be truly equal in AmericaThe legal system has progressed so that African Americans may have a fair and speedy trailThere is now an African American as President of the United States

10. Gay ProgressionGiovanni’s Room is a best seller Homosexuals have been given a voiceThey have formed gay rights groupsThey have convinced companies to change their code of ethics to fight homophobia in the work placeThe US military now allows gay marriages

11. James Baldwin is a true American legend and his writings live on today in everyone who deals with a daily struggle. He never limited himself to any genre of writing because he wrote for all people. His driving forces were equality, understanding and love.