In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomes Dr. Richard Wright, his former Advanced Public Speaking professor, for an enlightening conversation. Dr. Wright shares insights on his lifelong passion for teaching, the power of language, and the continued oppression of various groups throughout history. He also discusses his upbringing in Northeast Washington D.C., the Black community's pre-Civil Rights Movement unity, and the international vision of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which he believes led to their demise. Dr. Wright also recounts his meeting with Malcolm X in the fall of 1961 and the profound impact it had on him. Finally, he discusses the evolution of his teaching career and his new book, "My Life in Segregation." Fellow sages, as you just read, you're in for a treat. And as we always say, as long as you guys show love, we'll stay consistent.
Dr. Wright is a proud undergraduate alumnus of Howard University from 1960-64. He had the privilege of meeting and listening to Malcolm X in 1961, when he graced the campus as a participant in a debate in Cramton Auditorium. Dr. Wright returned to Howard as a professor/lecturer from 1967-1970 in the College of Liberal Arts (now Arts & Sciences), and subsequently as a full-time professor in the School of Communications from 1975-2023. He retired or rather transitioned from Howard in May 2023, after 50 years of devoted service as a professor at his beloved institution.
Dr. Wright is currently working on a book project, an autoethnography, which narrates, analyzes, and recasts his life in segregation and beyond.
Introduction to Dr. Richard Wright, finishing 50 years at Howard - 1:00
What made your lesson plan so unique? - 6:50
What does it mean to be Human? - 11:00
How the Renaissance reshaped the thinking of individuals - 15:50
“When you’re told better you don’t do better” - 22:00
“Nobody can insult you without your consent” - 29:20
Why Dr. Wright elected not to go into the Administration - 39:40
Dr. Wright on how the Black Community was more unified before the Civil Rights Movement - 44:15
“You knew that the world would challenge you, but your responsibility was to get ready” Dr. Wright on the collective mentality of the Black Community during segregation -53:00
The Concept of Freedom is a Double-Edged Sword - 56:30
The Power of Internationalizing the Black Struggle and American Hypocrisy, as shown by Malcolm and Martin - 1:08:55
Dr. Wright’s experience watching Malcolm X speak in the Fall of 1961 and the power of his presence - 1:23:00
How has your teaching style evolved from 1975 up to your retirement in 2023 - 1:38:00
Closing/What’s next for Dr. Wright? - 1:43:00