Contributions of August Wilson's to Anti-Racism as an African American Playwright: A Literature Review

Abstract

August Wilson became a prominent playwright in the 1980s. In the early 1980s, he achieved prominence in African American theater with his unique dramaturgical style. Nonetheless, he encountered discriminatory practices and the enduring impact of white supremacy ideology in the United States. Additionally, it is significant to mention that in 1959, he was the only African American student enrolled in Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, his presence at this mostly white educational institution exposed him to several sorts of intimidation and abuse from his Caucasian colleagues. Furthermore, he encountered accusations from his instructor about the conduct of plagiarizing a significant quantity of material specifically 20 pages, in his works about Napoleon. As a result of these allegations, he chose to depart from Gladstone High School in 1960. Subsequent to his expulsion from a racially biased educational institution, he autonomously pursued knowledge by using the resources at the Carnegie Library, where he developed a deep interest in books about the lives and history of African Americans. The maltreatment he suffered from those of Caucasian descent was profoundly cruel and characterized by acts of barbarity. Notwithstanding his humble beginnings, Wilson has attained significant success in dramaturgy.