Black Boy: A Record of Childhood Youth

Black Boy: A Record of Childhood and Youth
Richard Wright
Harper & Brothers, 1945
First edition
Southern Civilization Collection
Vanderbilt University Special Collections

Richard Wright’s autobiographical work chronicles his early life in the South and his move to Chicago, Illinois. The book explores the racism, poverty, and violence that Wright faced as a child and his struggle with identity, self-expression, and the power dynamics of race and class.  His powerful narrative gives readers a first-hand glimpse at the African American experience in the 20th century.