1. Black Boy by Richard Wright
An Introduction to a novel study

2. The Basics of the Novel released in 1945
about a young boy from the South struggling to grow up (sound like a certain short story?)
was edited to sound happier when first published
republished in 1991 to include/be much more than a personal coming of age story

3. Why All the Fuss??! 1945- a way different world than now
no black president, no black Disney princess but still very diverse
Wright was a black author writing about the world trying to crush his dreams
novel was like the 8th undiscovered Harry Potter, becoming 4th best selling novel at the end of 1945

4. Why Should YOU Care?
2009- U.S. is officially “post-racial”= black president, black Disney princess, and Beyoncé named People’s Most Beautiful Woman
Racism is over, right??! Why a book to tell you how bad it was, again?
not just about racism
Ever had a dream that people said was impossible?
Black Boy was written to all who said Wright couldn't make it and all those who feel like him.
novel encourages:
Don’t act like every expects you to.
Don’t do what everyone assumes you will do.
Find your own path. Clear your own way

5. Major Themes racism movement and dislocation
hunger, illness, and suffering
religion: Christianity and “being saved”
reading and writing
society and the individual