Origins & Early Life

Richard Nathaniel Wright (September 4, 1908 – November 28, 1960) was an American author of novels, short stories, poems, and non-fiction. Much of his literature concerns racial themes, especially related to the plight of African Americans during the late 19th to mid 20th centuries suffering discrimination and violence. His best known works include the novella collection Uncle Tom's Children (1938), the novel Native Son (1940), and the memoir Black Boy (1945). Literary critics believe his work helped change race relations in the United States in the mid-20th century.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Richard Nathaniel Wright was born on September 4, 1908, at Rucker's Plantation, between the train town of Roxie and the larger river city of Natchez, Mississippi. He was the son of Nathan Wright, a sharecropper, and Ella (Wilson), a schoolteacher. His parents were born free after the Civil War; both sets of his grandparents had been born into slavery and freed as a result of the war. Each of his grandfathers had taken part in the U.S. Civil War and gained freedom through service: his paternal grandfather, Nathan Wright, had served in the 28th United States Colored...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• C. Vann Woodward — Contemporary (Born in 1908) (1908): Influential American historian specializing in the American South and race relations.
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• Adam Schiff — Contemporary (Born in 1960) (1960): Long-serving Democratic politician, former Congressman, and current U.S. Senator from California.
• Albert Camus — Contemporary (Died in 1960) (1960): Philosopher and writer known for Absurdism, The Stranger, and The Plague.
• Al-Biruni — Shared historical date (09-04 · Born) (973): Khwarazmian polymath, pioneering in science, history, and comparative religion.
• Albert Schweitzer — Shared historical date (09-04 · Died) (1965): German polymath renowned for theology, music, and 'Reverence for Life'
• Adria Petty — Shared historical date (11-28 · Born) (1974): American director, editor, and artist known for music video work with Beyoncé.
• Alan Lightman — Shared historical date (11-28 · Born) (1948): Physicist, writer, and social entrepreneur exploring science's intersection with humanities.
• 1908 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1908
• September 4 (09-04) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 4
• 1960 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1960
• November 28 (11-28) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 28