WRozycki

     In honor of Richard Wright, Richard Stockton College of NJ held the Richard Wright Centennial Symposium to commemorate the life and work of Richard Wright a well renowned novelist, poet, and essayist.  Sponsored by several academic studies at RSCNJ, Afrircan Studies, Literature Program, School of Arts and Humantities and the Unified Black Student Society, the symposium brought to you four presenters Dean Robert Gregg, Professor Linda Nelson, Professor Donnetrice-Allison and Mr. Ricky Epps-Kearney all of whom are familiar with the style and works of Richard Wright. Each presenter brought his or her own element of discussion to the table.  Topics discussed was the comparison of Wright to James Baldwin, the theme of hope and truth, the element of protest in his works and the inspiration that inspired one particular presenter to feeling the desire to read.  Among the different topics of discussion, the one thing they all had in common was the constant connection to Wright’s most powerful works. “Down by the Riverside” and “Native Son” were the two common references constantly being referred to.

     As a Literature major at RSCNJ, I can relate and take interest in arguments and discussions presented however the one that stands out the most was presented by Mr. Ricky Epps-Kearney as he presented what he recalled as most important from the works of Richard Wright.  He saw Wright’s works as inspiration to all and it was Wright that inspired him to read and want to read.  Wright inspired Mr. Epps-Kearney to read which something he admitted to never doing before and in familiarity the Richard Wright Symposium has inspired me to take interest in more sponsored readings, symposiums, other events honoring great works of art.

     As much as you can pull out from other exemplar works from Richard Wright, Cynthia Arreiu-King, Mark Strand there is always more to be identified when knowing exactly who the author is. From just reading a piece of work you can only relate so much and connote so many words and phrases but allowing yourself to understand the author and other arguments surrounding can allow for much more insight and that’s what the Richard Wright Symposium has done for me. This event familiarized me with Wright on a deeper level from before.  All I really knew was “Down by the Riverside” but now I know his feud with James Baldwin and his strength in protest he used in his works.  From one symposium I learned beyond the establishment of just one work therefore I could only imagine the impact and effect of other events, readings, and symposiums.  Whether a student or not, Literature major or business major events like the sponsored Richard Wright, the lasting effect couldn’t be any more positive.  I enjoyed this one and as I move forward with my education I plan to enjoy many more and would recommend events as such to all.