2008 Woodie Awards
Event to explore author's legacy
Angie Thomas
Issue date: 6/27/07 Section: News
Many may not be familiar with Richard Wright.
Maybe they do not realize his influence over current literature. Maybe they do not realize the attention he commanded and the path he forged for others to follow.
This week, students at SIUE will have the privilege of learning about this literary legend's legacy.
Wright, who was born in 1908, was raised in extreme poverty in Mississippi. From there, the self-taught author was able to speak to many for generations to come.
English professor Eugene B. Redmond believes Wright's voice still resonates today.
"He put discussions of race on the front burner," Redmond said, "and it hasn't left."
According to Redmond, Wright was the first black author to make it to a book of the month club rotation. His most popular novel, "Native Son," was made into a movie in 1950 and later remade in 1986.
Jerry Ward has studied Wright's work and is considered an expert of the topic. He is the founder of the Richard Wright circle and did his dissertation on Wright.
"He is an expert on Richard Wright and also a formidable repository of world literature." Redmond said, "He is a wonderful weaver of stories about writers, particularly Wright."
Ward, a professor at Dillard University in New Orleans, will visit SIUE Thursday. He will give a lecture about Wright at 1 p.m. in Peck Hall, Room 2304.
In addition to Ward speaking, there will be a drum ensemble group and performances by Soular Systems ensemble, a poetic group.
"I think the campus and residential community will be resonating with the knowledge he shares," Redmond said.
Maybe they do not realize his influence over current literature. Maybe they do not realize the attention he commanded and the path he forged for others to follow.
This week, students at SIUE will have the privilege of learning about this literary legend's legacy.
Wright, who was born in 1908, was raised in extreme poverty in Mississippi. From there, the self-taught author was able to speak to many for generations to come.
English professor Eugene B. Redmond believes Wright's voice still resonates today.
"He put discussions of race on the front burner," Redmond said, "and it hasn't left."
According to Redmond, Wright was the first black author to make it to a book of the month club rotation. His most popular novel, "Native Son," was made into a movie in 1950 and later remade in 1986.
Jerry Ward has studied Wright's work and is considered an expert of the topic. He is the founder of the Richard Wright circle and did his dissertation on Wright.
"He is an expert on Richard Wright and also a formidable repository of world literature." Redmond said, "He is a wonderful weaver of stories about writers, particularly Wright."
Ward, a professor at Dillard University in New Orleans, will visit SIUE Thursday. He will give a lecture about Wright at 1 p.m. in Peck Hall, Room 2304.
In addition to Ward speaking, there will be a drum ensemble group and performances by Soular Systems ensemble, a poetic group.
"I think the campus and residential community will be resonating with the knowledge he shares," Redmond said.
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