Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. (Finding Aid)

Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

1941 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Chicken or Buffalo Wings

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere tropical

Interview Length: 216 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 11, 2002

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright describes his family background, focusing on his father. Wright describes his father's personality and personal beliefs, and what it was like growing up in his father's household. Wright shares his family's experience in dealing with his father's diagnosis of cancer, his treatment, and his death. Wright also describes other family members like his great aunt and his grandfather.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright continues to describe his parents' backgrounds and personalities, as well as sharing some of his favorite childhood memories. Wright focuses on his mother, talking about her sense of humor and commitment to education. Wright also describes the black community in which he grew up in Philadelphia, particularly the church community.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright recalls memories from his childhood growing up in Philadelphia's Germantown neighborhood. Wright gives examples of his mischevieous personality and describes the family atmosphere in which he grew up, which was strict and supportive. Wright also discusses the racial demographics of his neighborhood and his high school, which was predominantly white and Jewish.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright shares more memories from his childhood, and discusses his early musical interest and musical training he had throughout his youth. Wright explains his choice to attend Virginia Union University, and details his time there, including what he learned while studying the Bible. Wright then talks about his decision to enter the military and his experience at boot camp in North Carolina.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright finishes a discussion about his time in the military and explains why he decided to go into religous studies, including his decision to focus on becoming a minister instead of a teacher. Wright explains how he became called to the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, and gives a detailed history of the membership of the church, including the reaction to his focus on African American church traditions. Wright also discusses the history of the United Church of Christ and its mergers.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright explains why he chose to pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ, and discusses how he broke the news to his father, a Baptist preacher. Wright then gives many examples of preachers and preaching styles that have influenced him, and advocates the view that one need not be educated to be an effective preacher. Wright also explains his incorporation of African culture into his own church and sermons.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright discusses the impact of African music on the African American experience and advocates for its teaching in African American churches. Wright shares his thoughts on the history of Christianity and criticizes the view that slavery brought Christianity to Africans. He discusses Trinity United Church of Christ's status as a megachurch, spelling out the ways in which he uses this status to benefit the community, and outlines Trinity's plans for the future.

Pastor and author Jeremiah Wright explains why African American churchs need to take a leading role in helping to improve health care in the United States, particularly in the field of HIV-AIDS treatment. Wright also outlines other ways in which churches can take on positive social roles. Wright closes with a touching story about a churchgoer who used one of Wright's sermons to overcome the loss of his infant daughter.

55 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)