Black Boy
By Richard Wright
"Black Boy is a classic of American autobiography, a subtly crafted narrative of Richard Wright's journey from innocence to experience in the Jim Crow South. An enduring story of one young man's coming of age during a particular time and place, Black Boy remains a seminal text in our history about what it means to be a man, black, and Southern in America." - Goodreads
Why was this book challenged?
Banned book element tile
Reasons: Sexual Content, Racial Content, Profanity, Violence
Black Boy by Richard Wright has been challenged or banned frequently over the years according to the ACLU of Massachusetts for allegedly being “too violent" and having “sexual content." This book has also been challenged for “sparking hard feelings between students of different races" according to the Banned Library.
Black-authored books have historically been targets for censorship, and modern-day censorship efforts are targeting them as well. For more information, please see out Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Ways to read this book at STCC!
Members of the STCC community have full borrowing privileges at the STCC Library, located in Building 19, 2nd Floor, provided they are actively registered in the college system and their records are in good standing.
Database access and e-content is available to all students, faculty, and staff using the following credentials:
Username: STCC ID number
Password: Last name in capital letters.
Additional Resources and Accessibility
If you prefer to listen to your books, or if the print or eBook versions of this book are checked out at STCC, you have additional checkout options through Massachusetts public libraries. CW/MARS and Boston Public Library eCards will give you access to eBook and Audiobook versions of this book. You can also download the Libby app to listen to audiobooks on your smartphone. These resources are outside of STCC Library, please consult your local public library for any questions regarding these outside resources.
Check public libraries in Western Massachusetts via CW/MARS:
Residents of Massachusetts can sign up for a Boston Public Library eCard, to access their digital materials such as eBooks and downloadable audiobooks. Follow the instructions on the BPL's website: