Beverly Price

Beverly price was THe nicholson project’s 2023 in-house artist-in-residence.

Recommendation: BLACK BOY BY RICHARD WRIGHT

“I strongly recommend the book Black Boy by Richard Wright. This recommendation stems from a personal experience I had during my 12th-grade year at Dunbar High School, under the guidance of my English teacher, Ms. Lyons. At that time, I was grappling with behavioral issues and had taken a wrong turn towards a life of crime. Despite my difficulties, I found myself consistently attending Ms. Lyons’ class because she had a captivating teaching style. It was in her class that I first encountered Black Boy. Surprisingly, it became the first book I truly immersed myself in. Despite being a woman, I could deeply connect with the pain and struggle depicted in Richard Wright’s writing. His unique style had a profound impact on my thinking about reading and books.

Black Boy addresses crucial themes like racism, identity, and social injustice, making it a valuable choice for discussions and personal introspection. This renowned classic in American literature provides a powerful perspective on the African American experience. Richard Wright’s writing is celebrated for its potency and vivid imagery, making it appealing to those who appreciate high-quality literature.

In essence, recommending Black Boy offers an opportunity for readers to delve into the depths of the human experience and explore the enduring social issues that shape our world. This book has left an indelible mark on me, influencing my photography work, particularly my Royal Blue Series.”

Book Recommendation: Black Boy is a memoir by American author Richard Wright, detailing his upbringing. Wright describes his youth in the South: Mississippi, Arkansas and Tennessee, and his eventual move to Chicago, where he establishes his writing career and becomes involved with the Communist Party. Black Boy gained high acclaim in the United States because of Wright's honest and profound depiction of racism in America. While the book gained significant recognition, much of the reception throughout and after the publication process was highly controversial.