Soon, that unfortunately, still big-headed growing boy, began to supplement his "Roads to Everywhere" assigned reading with an almost underground library that included: Richard Wright's Black Boy, Angela Davis, An Autobiography, and Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin.

The seeds were planted early, never to lose its root.

Mirika (ITB ): I read an excerpt that certainly had a gross amount of wisdom inside it on your website, www.ivanwright.com, and it was extremely engaging. The excerpt was from your first book, Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, and it was Book Excerpt II: And The Living Is -

Sample Excerpt:

"Why don't you have a lot of wrinkles?" a curious nine-year old Jurney once ventured.

With a serious but loving look in her almond eyes, Grandmom told Jurney how everyone had soul wells. Instead of troubles and worries finding a place on the face, black folks' worries found their way into the secret places of our souls. She was careful to let him know that soul wells weren't the best places to keep their troubles."

"But you see, baby, our story has been one of a very long while of keeping our thoughts and feelings inside, hidden - so that's where they went.

"Understand what I'm trying to say, Jurney. Even our wrinkle worries were afraid to be seen. Yes indeed, learned to even hide our wrinkles.

I absolutely love the tie in with the way slow way in which black people do tend age by not showing wrinkles and how you tied that in with hiding emotions. Do you believe that black people are known for concealing their thoughts and emotions, and if so, from where do you believe that comes from?

W. Ivan Wright: Oh yes, concealing our thoughts was a long held survival tactic of the African American experience.  It was also a mandate from a society that had no cares for what was on the mind of colored people.  Some of our living family members may still be able to recall a friend or relative who was viciously set upon, perhaps even lynched for conveying a thought or an emotion.

Interestingly enough, after time, the contemporary perspective regarding the African American is one who is being loud and demonstratively over opinioned-go figure. 

One might venture that being perhaps overly vocal is a predictable by-product of having been "shushed" for so long.

Mirika(ITB ): Interesting, and I have never thought of it in that way.  Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only - the title speaks volumes literally! Though this is a fiction novel, do you believe that history as well as in the present times, the media has used African Americans for entertainment purposes and, if so, why? Do you think that this will change as we gradually move on toward the future?

W. Ivan Wright: America and the media have a shameful history of perceiving African Americans as instruments for its enjoyment. Be it music, dancing, sports or labor, it is all entertainment.

I believe that this perspective is an unfortunate historical thread that reinforces the de facto second class citizen status regarding those of color.  "Their lot is one of servitude"-"leave the thinking to us."

Even today, we are disproportionately represented on the free-for-all daytime talk shows, Court TV programs or positioned on prime time television as characters strategically placed for comic relief.

We won't mention the news producer's decision making process as she or he ponders on a particular crime story for the nightly report.  "Any menacing black faces for tonight's lead?"  "No, this one won't do, got any real dark ones?"

Crime ain't funny, but it's still America 's entertainment.

Even after adjusting my own rose-colored spectacles, I remain optimistic that this country will continue to move forward as it continues to grow in its appreciation and openness regarding all cultures. This is required in all communities as black people are certainly not exempt from harboring discriminatory thoughts toward others.

Mirika(ITB ): There certainly has been generations of 'entertaining' African Americans in many of the wrong ways, and if you have eyes to see, it can't be ignored.  It is a shame to exploit anyone of any race for sheer entertainment.  On to your novel -

Indentured Scholars, the Inner City Scandal, your newest lifeline into society through literature is due out in March 2008. Most people, when they think of the word indentured, they are reminded of someone who has been contracted out to work for another person for a period of time. Tell us why you chose the title Indentured Scholars, the Inner City Scandal for this next new book due out in March, and give us a brief synopsis as well, as the book sounds like a great read!

W. Ivan Wright: Ah Mirika, you've wasted no time in capturing the intent regarding the book's title. I wanted the potential reader's thought to make a quick journey to ye old history class and recall the era of the indentured servant. These people were essentially slaves for many years and therefore focused and committed to scripted tasks.

What if our young, "can't ever learn" students were indentured to education?

Indentured Scholars is a suspense novel that introduces news reporter, Synthia Godbold-Pearson who has discovered the existence of a highly secretive academy that selectively educates children of the inner city.

The media and community are enraged when they learn that New Passage Academy demands that the parent, usually a single mother, relinquish all parenting duties to the school.

Thoughts of midnight strong-arming of some poor mother propel an incensed Synthia to pursue the location and leadership of the academy. One of its leaders is the charismatic and curiously insightful, Joseph Franklin.

Synthia's quest leads her to the academy where she is unknowingly placed in the cross-hairs of a hell-spewed entity that is seeking to gain sovereignty over the academy and its vulnerable students.

Mirika(ITB ): Sounds interersting!  Can't wait to get my eyes through it.  Now, being a motivational speaker as well as author, what is the very thing that you believe tears societies down and at the same time, what needs to be inserted inside of societies to build it up, not solely in a certain ethnic societies, but in all of them?

W. Ivan Wright: It is my observation that our society suffers for lack of strong foundations. These pillars are represented in ways that include: a disciplined household, a reverence for hard work and perseverance and an uncompromising appreciation of accountability.

These things are certainly not exclusive to the African American home or community.  When foundations are strong and clearly identifiable, they offer the requisite support in times when all is moving smoothly.  More importantly, these firmed pillars present a resting place for replenishment for when life's inevitable struggles hinder our respective journeys.

A society that is strong in character is forever a sound structure.

Mirika (ITB ): I agree that strong foundations are a backbone to any society and individual.  Now we will switch gears.  By the way and on a personal note, what does the W. in your name stand for - or is that completely an author's secret?

W. Ivan Wright: Oh, I can share that secret.  For some reason my parents decided to name me Wayne, only to never use it.

Of course if I had done something real bad, I would be sure to hear a very elongated and resonating "Wayne" find its way from my mother's lips to all area of the house-it still gives me pause.

Mirika(ITB ): That's funny!  I also must say that both these books are to be placed high on any shelf as they show another perspective on life that has the great potential to speak volumes about what many are afraid to say and know. Your work in literature has its very own niche, which is why your success will continue throughout the years to come. Thank you, W. Ivan Wright, for checking INN THE BASEMENT with me, Mirika, and having this wonderful discussion! God Bless.

For more information on how to purchase Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only and Indentured Scholars, the Inner City Scandal, visit www.ivanwright.com .