Richard Wright worked for the United States Postal Service in Chicago, beginning in 1928. However, he could not gain permanent employment from the postal service until he passed their medical examination, which meant that he would have to overcome years of malnourishment. During 1929, after considerable efforts to bulk up, Wright rejoins the postal service as a permanent employee. Following the stock market crash, Wright loses his full time postal job, but in 1931 he gets hired back on a temporary basis.

During his work in the Chicago Post Office, Wright comes in contact with leftists and writers, who introduce him to writing groups such as the Chicago John Reed Club. His experiences in the post office eventually become the starting point for what would become Lawd Today!, a bleak novel that could not find a publisher until after Wright's death.

to the chronology of Wright's life.

to the bibliography of Wright criticism.

to the bibliography of Wright's work.

to the Richard Wright Homepage.