David Wright (writer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Wright
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Wright at the 2016 Texas Book Festival.
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| Occupation | Professor, writer |
| Language | English |
| Education | Carleton College (BA) University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Humanities and Fine Arts (MFA) |
David Wright is an American writer and professor. He is known for his books and documentary films. He also teaches creative writing at a university.
Contents
About David Wright's Life
Growing Up and Learning
David Wright grew up in Borger, Texas. His mother was a Jewish woman from France. She lived through a difficult time when her country was taken over during a big war. She later moved to the United States.
David Wright went to Carleton College and earned a bachelor's degree. He also earned a master's degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He studied in Paris, France, too.
Before Becoming a Professor
Before he started teaching writing, David Wright played and coached American football. He played on teams in cities like Paris and London. Today, he teaches at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. However, he lives in Texas.
His Family Name
David Wright also publishes books using the name "David Wright Faladé." This name honors his biological father, Max Faladé. His father was from Porto-Novo in Benin, a country in Africa. Max Faladé was the grandson of Béhanzin, who was the last king of Dahomey.
David Wright's Works
Books He Has Written
- The New Internationals, published by Grove Press in January 2025.
- Black Cloud Rising, published by Atlantic Monthly Press in February 2022.
Short Stories and Films
David Wright has also written short stories. One of them is called "The Sand Banks, 1861," which came out in 2020.
He also worked on a documentary film. It is called Rescue Men: The Story of the Pea Island Lifesavers. This film was released in 2010.
Television Work
In 1999, he helped create a television segment. It was called "The Pea Island Story." This segment aired on BET Tonight.
Awards and Honors
David Wright has received many awards for his writing and work.
- 2017: International Board on Books for Young People, for his book Away Running.
- 2011: Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, allowing him to study in Brazil.
- 2009: North Carolina Humanities Council, a grant for his film Rescue Men.
- 2005: Dobie-Paisano Fellowship, from the University of Texas.
- 2004: Tennessee Williams Scholar, at the Sewanee Writers’ Conference.
- 1999: National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship, for studying the Civil Rights Movement.
- 1997–1998: Chancellor’s Minority Postdoctoral Fellowship, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- 1994: Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Award, for his writing.
- 1993: Paul Cuffe Memorial Fellowship, for maritime studies.
