Natchez in Adams County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
Richard Wright
— Mississippi Writers Trail —
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, February 27, 2022
1. Richard Wright Marker
Richard Nathaniel Wright was born in Roxie, near Natchez, in 1908. In his youth, he suffered poverty, racism, and being shuffled between an orphanage and the homes of relatives. In Jackson, he was valedictorian of his class at Smith Robertson Junior High School but dropped out of high school to go to work. The precocious Wright published his first story at sixteen, and in 1940 he achieved national fame with his best-selling novel, Native Son. Arguably one of the most important works of twentieth-century American literature, the novel was adapted for film and stage. Wright's work exposes the brutal reality of American racism. In his 1945 autobiography, Black Boy, he describes his horrific years growing up in the South and declares: “This was the culture from which I sprang. This was the terror from which I fled," In 1946, Wright escaped to France, living as an expatriate until his death in 1960.
Erected 2020 by the Mississippi Writers Trail Advisory Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Mississippi Writers Trail series list.
Location. 31° 33.481′ N, 91° 24.24′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Intersection of Washington and South Commerce streets (a few steps from this marker); Temple B'Nai Israel (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Intersection of Washington and South Pearl streets (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Intersection of Washington and South Union streets (about 400 feet away); The First Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away); Intersection of State and South Pearl streets (about 400 feet away); Pleasant Hill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Natchez.
More about this marker. Located on the grounds of the Judge George W. Armstrong Library.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, February 27, 2022
2. Richard Wright Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 5, 2022, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
