American Book Awards
1 appearances
-
Edition 12 (1991) Winner
Bruce M. Wright
ブルース・エム・ライト
Bruce M. Wright
Profile
- Gender
- Male
- Born
- 1917-12-19 （Baltimore, Maryland）
- Died
- 2005-03-24 （Old Saybrook, Connecticut） age 87
- Nationality
- United States
- Languages
- English
- Residence History
- Baltimore (birthplace) → Princeton, New Jersey (raised) → Harlem, New York (longtime residence) → Old Saybrook, Connecticut (later life)
Career
- Occupations
- Judge, Author, Visiting scholar, Retail greeter
- Active Years
- 1942-1994
- Influenced By
- Langston Hughes, Léopold Sédar Senghor
- Influenced
- Geoffrey D.S. Wright (son, New York State Supreme Court Justice), Keith L.T. Wright (son, New York State Assembly member)
Education
| Institution | Faculty | Department | Degree | Period | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Union University | — | — | — | — | United States |
| Lincoln University (Pennsylvania) | — | — | — | — | United States |
| Fordham University Law School (studied) | — | Law | — | — | United States |
| New York Law School | — | Law | J.D. (法学位) | — | United States |
Virginia Union University
Country:
United States
Attended; final degree information unclear
Lincoln University (Pennsylvania)
Year of Graduation:
1942
Country:
United States
Recorded as graduating in 1942
Fordham University Law School (studied)
Law
Country:
United States
Studied law; law degree obtained from New York Law School
New York Law School
Law
Degree:
J.D. (法学位)
Country:
United States
Reported to have obtained law degree; exact year unknown
Awards
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Organization | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | American Book Award | Black Robes, White Justice | — | Before Columbus Foundation | 受賞 |
American Book Award
1991
Work:
Black Robes, White Justice
Organization:
Before Columbus Foundation
Result:
受賞
Awards & Nominations
Works
Major Works
From the Shaken Tower
1944 PoetryA collection of poems published early in his life; edited by Langston Hughes.
RaceSelf-expression
Black Robes, White Justice
1987 Non-fiction / Social critiqueA critique of race and fairness in the judicial system, discussing courtroom practices and bail procedures.
RacismJudicial reformBail system
Black Justice in a White World: A Memoir
1996 MemoirAn autobiographical account of his upbringing and experiences on the bench, centering on struggles against discrimination.
ReminiscenceRacial justiceJudicial practice
Bibliography
- From the Shaken Tower (1944)
- Black Robes, White Justice (1987)
- Black Justice in a White World: A Memoir (1996)
Style & Themes
- Literary Style
- Scholarly and direct toneStyle that interweaves legal and literary quotations
- Recurring Motifs
- Race and justiceCritique of the judicial system
Legacy
Bruce M. Wright was known for openly criticizing racial injustice in bail and court procedures, prompting debate about equality in the judiciary and treatment of the poor. Through his writings and public statements he highlighted issues of racial justice and left a critical perspective on the American legal system.
Quotes
-
I have never changed my mind about the Eighth Amendment. To say that I would've done things differently means to me I would have been a good boy, kept my mouth shut and availed myself of the benefits of the system. I don't think I can do that.
Source: The New York Times (quoted in obituary and reports) (1994)
Trivia
- Was awarded a scholarship to Princeton University but reportedly denied admission upon arrival because he was Black (1939).
- Earned the nickname "Cut 'Em Loose Bruce" for his practice of setting low or no bail.
- In later life he reportedly worked as a Walmart greeter to supplement his retirement income.