Richard Nathaniel Wright (September 4th, 1908 – November 28th, 1960) was an American author of novels, short stories, poems and non fiction. Born on a plantation in Roxie, Mississippi, much of Wright’s work concerns racial themes and the plight of African Americans during the late 19th to mid 20th centuries and the discrimination and violence they suffered. He’s credited with helping to change race relations in the USA.
If you want to check out the author’s works there are plenty to choose from but we’d recommend starting with his memoir, Black Boy covering his life from 1912 to 1936.
Today we’re sharing a stage presentation of the book and it’s beautiful! It’ll definitely leave you wanting more and is a profound excerpt, talking of Wright’s desire to learn to read, and other things. Links at the bottom if you’d like to read the rest.
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