Richard Wright

by Joan Urban

Traces the life and achievements of the Black American novelist

Library Binding

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joan Urban provides a very detailed account of the life of Richard Wright (1908-1960). In a speech to the National Sharecroppers' Union called "What Peace Will Bring to the South South," Wright said he envisioned a nation

"where there will exist no residential segregation, no Jim Crow army, no Jim Crow navy, no Jim Crow Red Cross Blood Bank, no Negro institutions, no laws prohibiting intermarriage, no customs assigning Negroes to inferior positions. We would simply be Americans and the nation would be better for it." (pg90)

One of the most interested things I learned about Wright is that he tried to organize a free psychiatric clinic but initially did not get any support from foundations or public organizations. In response to the lack of support, Wright wrote "Psychiatry Comes to Harlem" and "Juvenile Delinquency in Harlem"- two articles that brought attention to the lack of "social conscience" among the "medical profession." Suddenly support poured in and the Lafargue Clinic was founded in St. Philip's Church, located in Harlem. The clinic became so respected that the "care of all war veterans in New York, regardless of race" were directed there by the Veterans Administration.(pg92)

Wright is best know for his book Native Son.