A house RESOLUTION

 

to remember and honor the life of Mr. Calvin Wright and to express the profound sorrow of the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives to his loving family and many friends upon his passing.

 

Whereas, Mr. Calvin Wright was born on October 31, 1946, in Orangeburg and departed this life on April 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family; and

 

Whereas, a 1965 graduate of Wilkinson High School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from South Carolina State University, which later recognized him as a Distinguished Alumnus; and

 

Whereas, as a young man he actively participated in the Orangeburg civil rights movement, advocating for voting rights and social justice, and being arrested and jailed a dozen times. He also served in leadership roles within the state NAACP Youth Conference and was recognized by the American Friends Service Committee for his work with the Voter Education Project in 1964. These experiences sealed his lifelong commitment to social justice; and

 

Whereas, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of sergeant in less than ten months. Deployed to Vietnam in 1968, he was honored with a Certificate of Military Combat by the 18th Military Police Brigade, 93rd Military Police Company; and

 

Whereas, he dedicated his professional life to uplifting underserved communities through his work with the Orangeburg Area Committee for Economic Progress, now known as the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg Community Action Agency, Inc. (OCAB) During his remarkable forty-eight-year tenure, he 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, he held numerous leadership roles in state and local organizations where he advocated for community action, public health, and education. He founded the SC Association of Community Action Partnerships, Inc. and served on the board, was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and for ten years served as Commander of Post 8166, served on the board of directors of the Family Health Centers, Inc. and on Claflin University's Board of Visitors; and

 

Whereas, his lifelong commitment to service earned him numerous honors and recognitions, including national and state awards for community service, civil rights advocacy, and leadership. In 2001, Mr. Wright was named a "Hero" by the SC Year of the Child for his exceptional dedication to the well-being of children in the State. In 2005, he was included in the 2005 Library of Congress exhibition, "Voices of Civil Rights." And in 2024, he was awarded the Joe Biden Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, among others; and

 

Whereas, Mr. Calvin Wright attended New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and beloved family member. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Tonya Steward Wright; his daughters, Tyese Wright and Chelsea Steward; and his granddaughter, Maya Wright; his sisters, Betty (David) Smith and Glorious (Willie Clay) Hampton; his brothers, Whitaker Wright and Charles (Faye) Wright; and a host of extended family members and friends; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Calvin Wright for his unwavering commitment to justice, community empowerment, and public service and know that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve with integrity, compassion, and dedication. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, remember and honor the life of Mr. Calvin Wright and express their profound sorrow to his loving family and many friends upon his passing.

 

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

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