A house RESOLUTION

 

to express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright of Orangeburg, to celebrate his life, and to extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends. 

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright of Orangeburg on April 27, 2026, at the venerable age of eighty; and

 

Whereas, born on October 31, 1946, in Orangeburg, he was the son of the late James and Jessie Mae Wright and the sixth of eight children; and

 

Whereas, he was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg, graduating from Wilkinson High School in 1965, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from South Carolina State University, which recognized him as a distinguished alumnus in 1997; and

 

Whereas, as a young man, he courageously participated in the Orangeburg Civil Rights Movement, enduring multiple arrests for civil disobedience.  He was recognized by the American Friends Service Committee for his work with the Voter Education Project in 1964, and served as first vice president of the State NAACP Youth Conference; and

 

Whereas, following his education, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant in less than ten months.  He served honorably in Vietnam in 1968 with the 18th Military Police Brigade, and 93^rd Military Police Company, receiving a Certificate of Military Combat; and

 

Whereas, upon returning home, he continued his service through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8166, becoming a life member and serving as commander for more than ten years.  He also was recognized as "Man of the Year" in 1983; and

 

Whereas, a steadfast advocate for justice, equality, and community empowerment, Mr. Wright was a revered civil rights activist and tireless champion in the fight against poverty, dedicating more than four decades of his life to uplifting underserved communities and strengthening institutions designed to serve them. His lifelong advocacy helped dismantle systemic barriers and advance equity and economic justice at the local, state, and national levels; and  

 

Whereas, his remarkable forty-eight-year tenure with the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg (OCAB) Community Action Agency Inc. transformed the organization into a pillar of hope and progress throughout the region.  Under his leadership, OCAB became more than an agency, it evolved into a lifeline for families facing economic hardship, a voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for sustainable change across Orangeburg, Calhoun, Allendale, and Bamberg counties; and

 

Whereas, beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Wright was a widely respected figure in the Orangeburg community, known for his wisdom, humility, faith, and kindness, and served as a mentor, leader, and friend to all who knew him.  He also was known for his impeccable sense of style, which reflected the dignity and respect he carried for his mission and the people he served; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Calvin Wright was a faithful member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg.  He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Tonya Steward Wright; his daughters, Tyese Wright and Chelsea Steward; his granddaughter, Maya Ralls; his siblings; and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues; and 

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and legacy of Mr. Calvin Wright, whose service, resilience, and transformative leadership will continue to inspire future generations.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright of Orangeburg, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Calvin Wright.

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