12 Million Black Voices
In 12 Million Black Voices, Richard Wright details the lives of African Americans in America during the 1930's. From pictures of rundown shacks to Harlem storefront churches to Wright's emotional invective against both the actions of the white public and stagnant state of the subjugated black population, he depicts the African American's misery and weariness under rural impoverished conditions, spiritual strength, and their lives in the Northern ghettos. This book serves as a reminder that the end of slavery, the end of the legal ownership of another, did not mean that the attitude of superiority and economical ownership disappeared. This mindset, this idea of racial superiority and therefore racial inferiority is the legacy, a legacy which still remains in the South, of slavery.
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Following the idea of the legacy of slavery, you will visit two places closely associated with the book 12 Million Black Voices and examine the historical context of slavery in these places and the present day influence of the attitudes and ideas that dominated this portion of America's history. The two places that will be visited are Natchez, Mississippi, which is located just 22.2 miles outside of Roxie, Mississippi, where Richard Wright grew up, and Jackson, Mississippi, the capital city of Mississippi and the city where Richard Wright was raised. Why these places?
Why Natchez?The city of Natchez, Mississippi is a quaint historic site, right outside of Roxie, Mississippi, where Richard Wright was born. Residents claim that "Natchez is synonymous with hospitality" and that "as much as we respect the past, we also look to the future" ("City of Natchez") How true is this statement? Find out through your visit to the Natchez Mall's Regal Cinema 4.
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Why Jackson?Jackson, Mississippi is the capital city of Mississippi and the city where Richard Wright was raised. It's fondly called "the city of soul," "a city with heritage," and associated with "having the friendliest people you'll ever meet" ("Welcome to Jackson"). What exactly is this heritage and is it as far in the past as is implied? Find out in your journey to the Mississippi state capitol building.
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