That summer—which is the last he spends in Tallahassee—
Elwood receives a copy of James Baldwin’s
Notes of a Native Son.
Mr. Hill gives the book to him, and he immerses himself in it, taking note of Baldwin’s idea that “
negroes are Americans and their destiny is the country’s destiny.” This idea helps Elwood understand why he wants to be part of the Civil Rights Movement, clarifying his belief that fighting for equality doesn’t only benefit the African American community, but the entire nation. To spread this message, he spends his time writing to local and activist newspapers and even gets one piece published by
The Chicago Defender.