The mighty oak from little acorns grow. In September of 1908 a child was born on the Rucker Plantation here in Adams County. He was the grandson of a former slave, who had been sold at the Forks of the Road enslavement markets, and who later joined the ranks of the United States Colored Troops who defended and secured the City of Natchez during the Civil War. Like the mighty oak, his roots ran deep within this community. Today, the Rucker Plantation has been incorporated into what is now the Natchez State Park.

From very humble and impoverished beginnings, that child grew to become internationally acclaimed author Richard Nathaniel Wright. He along with his work was often considered controversial due to its frank nature and his political beliefs.

During 2007, members of our community participated in a series of readings and discussions which focused on the writings of Richard Wright. In February of this year, the Natchez Literary and Cinema dedicated its annual conference to the works of Richard Wright. Similar programs have been held throughout the United States, and in foreign countries such as Spain, Japan and France where Wright lived until his death in Paris in 1960. Our little acorn spread his limbs and was embraced worldwide.

In this, the centennial month of his birth we continue to celebrate the literary accomplishments of our own “Native Son.” At 9:30 a.m. Saturday you are cordially invited to join in the celebration to be at the Historic Natchez Foundation at 108 S. Commerce St.

There you will see a video presentation developed by the students of Copiah-Lincoln Community College titled “Richard Wright: A force for Right,” as well as a viewing of the “Richard Wright Ramble,” images of local sites associated with the Wright family prepared by Charles Wright, kinsman and local Wright family historian. The session will culminate with remarks by the esteemed Wright scholar Dr. Jerry W. Ward Jr., professor of English and African Studies, Dillard University, New Orleans.

This free program is sponsored in part by Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Historic Natchez Foundation, Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration and the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American History and Culture in partnership with Road Scholar Inc. of Boston, and Educational Travel Associates, Inc. We do hope that you will accept this invitation and join us.

Darrell White is the director of the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American Culture.