Dr. C. T. Wright, 78, passed away on October 23, 2020. He earned a B.S. degree from Fort Valley State University in social science education; M.A. degree from Clark Atlanta University in history; PhD degree from Boston University in American history and New England studies; additional studies were done at George Williams College and Carnegie Mellon University; and he received an honorary Doctor of Human Letters (LHD) from Mary Holmes College. Professor Wright served as a teacher and administrator at several schools including: provost and executive vice president at Florida Memorial University, 1985-1989; president at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, 1982-1985; vice president of academic affairs at Talladega College, 1981-1982; assistant provost of special programs and director of black education at Eastern Washington University, 1977-1981; chairman of the Social Science Division and head of the History and Political Science Departments at Morris Brown College, 1967-1977; and teacher at the Social Circle Training School, 1965-1967.



Through the years Dr. Wright has been recognized nationally and internationally for his commitment to the United States, Africa, education, religion, international relations, human rights and governmental affairs. His work has brought him in contact with public and private sector leaders, including heads of state or government from over 30 African nations, the last six presidents of the United States and several leaders from Europe, Asia and South America.



Dr. Wright is the founding chair of The Light of Hope Institute that promotes human rights around the world through conferences, workshops, lectures, etc. Several of these activities focused on Africa. Also, he was the directing force behind Christians Teaching Wisdom, a ministry that involves national, international and local leaders in prayer. It has received the support of the White House, Congress and governors.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright served in several capacities in Fountain Hills; senior advisor to the Liberian Association of Arizona; chairman of the Advisory Committee of World Children Relief; president of the Arizona African Society; vice president of the Governor's Advisory Council on Aging; member of the Phoenix Mayor's African American Advisory Committee, member of Maricopa County Attorney's Citizens Advisory Council; and member of the Arizona African American Legislative Group.



He received awards including ASU’s Pioneer Award; UNCF's Distinguished Leadership Award; Presidential Medal from Eastern Washington State University; Lion's Award from Pennsylvania State University; Special Award from the University of South Florida; and Fort Valley State University's Social Science Award, to name a few.



In recognition of his contributions to ASU, the Dr. C.T. Wright Scholarship for Social Justice was created in 2012 to provide support for master's degree students to study abroad, especially in Africa. His biography has appeared in several Who's Who publications. In recognition of his scholarly pursuits, he has been inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, Phi Alpha Theta Honorary Society, Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Phi Sigma.



Dr. Wright accepted a gubernatorial appointment to the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. At the time of his passing, he was the chairman. He was a delegate to three national political conventions and a member of the Arizona Electoral College.

Dr. Wright was predeceased by his wife, Mary, an aunt and six uncles. He is survived by two aunts, a God-daughter and a host of cousins. Services for Dr. Wright were held October 31, 2020  at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Contributions can be made to the Dr. C.T. Wright Scholarship Fund at the ASU West Campus by mailing to P.O. Box 12881, Scottsdale, AZ 85267. (Source: ASU Foundation)