RICHARD WRIGHT was an African-American author of novels, short stories and non-fiction that dealt with powerful themes and controversial topics. Much of his works concerned racial themes that helped redefine discussions of race relations in America in the mid-20th century. Born on a plantation in Mississippi, Wright was a descendent of the first slaves who arrived in Jamestown Massachusetts. This program follows his arduous path from sharecropper to literary giant. Through authors like H.L. Menken, Sinclair Lewis, Theodore Dreiser, he discovered that literature could be used as a catalyst for social change. In 1937 Wright moved to New York and his work began to garner national attention for it's political and social commentary. Much of Wright's writing focused on the African American community and experience; his novel Native Son won him a Guggenheim Fellowship and was adapted to the Broadway stage with Orson Welles directing in 1941.

Richard Wright
Self

When We Were Kings
When We Were Kings

Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens
Armando's Tale of Charles Dickens

Midnight Ramble
Midnight Ramble

Finding the Gold Within
Finding the Gold Within

Breath of Freedom
Breath of Freedom
The Black List: Volume Three
The Black List: Volume Three

Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This
Sarah Thankam Mathews: After All This

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed
Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

Philip K Dick: A Day in the Afterlife
Philip K Dick: A Day in the Afterlife

The Whole Gritty City
The Whole Gritty City
Lucia Berlin: Mama
Lucia Berlin: Mama
Beecham
Beecham