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June 6,
2010
I was in the bookstore last week – which is not
news for many people who know me – and I saw a new biography on Richard Wright, the famous
African American writer. The subtitle is “From Black Boy to World Citizen.” Wright first became
known because of his breakthrough novel, “Native Son,” but I remember his non-fiction work, “Black
Boy,” hence the reference in the subtitle. It was fascinating to read how Wright came from such an impoverished
background in rural Mississippi, to living in Paris where he was recognized as a world citizen.
In my May Reflections, in honor of Mother’s Day and Women’s Day, I did a brief sketch of
Dorothy Height who had just died at the age of 92. Therefore, in this month of June in which we celebrate Father’s
Day and Men’s Day, let us take a glimpse at Richard Wright.
Richard Wright was forty years younger when he died at the age of 52; and, there was some mystery
surrounding his death that is still not clear today. He was able to publish a dozen books before his death and countless numbers
of manuscripts were left unpublished. Jennifer Jensen Wallach, the author of this riveting biography,
teaches history at North Texas and the biography is released on the fiftieth anniversary of Wright’s death. What I found
riveting about his rise was that not only was his mother illiterate, but his father disappeared while Wright was young and
he only finished the eighth grade. But what happens to a lot of writers or creative people is that they are sometimes inspired
by a particular incident. Richard Wright heard a story being told and fell in love with the possibility of being able to be
a creative writer himself. The bud hit him when he was only 19. Although Alice Walker was much younger – like 4 years
old – when she knew she would be a writer, and I believe Anne Lamott was also quite young, they came from highly educated
families and were able to achieve much. However, when Wright was discovered, it was said of him, “How in
the Hell did you happen?” He came from the most humble of backgrounds. And, when one reads of that kind
of rise from such humble beginnings, one is definitely challenged and inspired and should never make excuses for one’s
own lack of commitment and determination.
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Wallach’s biography said the question that
drove Wright all of his life was, “How can I live freely?” He was driven by his creative
writing, but his passion was as strong in his concern about racism. His was an outspoken voice against injustice and the racism
he saw which was so prevalent in the rural south, but which he also saw in other parts of the country. It was on of the reasons
he ended up in Europe; his closet friends were the renowned writers, Jean Paul Satre and Albert Camus. Wright was a compelling
figure to the African American community, but at the same time he was puzzling and he infuriated many African Americans because
of his activism. He was an uncompromising voice against racism and his pen was his mighty weapon. He proved that words are
powerful. As we are reminded in John’s Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with
God and the Word was God.” [John 1:1]
“How
can I live freely?” This compelling question by Richard Wright, which guided his life, made me think of Jesus’
well known words found on the walls of Johns Hopkins University and, ironically for some, also on the walls of the FBI –
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” [John 8:32] I always have two observations
about that statement. One is that the goal of truth is freedom. That truth is not for truth’s sake alone, but must lead
to freedom; freedom from whatever keeps us from being all that we are capable of becoming. We must be free to live, to know,
to learn, to love. And, secondly – which is often not mentioned – is that Jesus said, “If you continue
in my Word you shall know the truth…” We all have a responsibility to continue to follow, to be dedicated,
to be committed to the truth. As Howard Thurman said, “freedom is a discipline.” Freedom is always an ongoing
process.
How one handles the injustice of growing up in a society where one is always seen as a boy although one is a grown
man many years over, is extremely important. Wright’s words are a powerful testimony that should encourage all of us
to be strong men. And, those among us who are Fathers should seek the truth, making sure that our children will always be
about truth and freedom.
From Truth to Freedom
Pastor Ron
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