... here on earth to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it." This is contrary to life as it relates to James Baldwin essay "Notes of a Native Son"and John Edgar Wideman collection of Homewood stories "Our Time." Life as a Black Man in America has been overwhelming for both authors. James Baldwin, a writer, poet and a playwright tells ... what motivated him to put in writing his life chronicles was to get a better understanding of himself as an "African American," as the grandson of a slave, and as his fathers son. 4 He came to realized that the only way to restore his psyc...

• Word Count: 861
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School