2023-J505

Mourning the death of John-Edward Akiwande Wright, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community

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2023-J505


Senate Resolution No. 505

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of John-Edward Akiwande Wright,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavors
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright of Brooklyn, New York, died on
January 17, 2023, at the age of 57; and

WHEREAS, Born on August 2, 1965, in Freetown, Sierra Leone, West
Africa, John-Edward Akiwande Wright was raised by his parents, Cyrus
Rogers-Wright and Claudia (May) Harding; and

WHEREAS, Upon immigrating to the United States, John-Edward Akiwande
Wright attended high school at LaSalle Academy in New York City; he
later graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Niagara
University in Lewiston, New York, before receiving his Master of Public
Administration degree from the New School in New York City; and

WHEREAS, In his youth, John-Edward Akiwande Wright spent many
summers in Upstate New York as a participant in the Fresh Air Fund;
highlighting his leadership and commitment to his community and
passions, John-Edward was also an avid long-distance runner and
captained his high school and collegiate cross-country teams; and

WHEREAS, A tireless advocate for his fellow New Yorkers as a member
of the Brooklyn community, John-Edward Akiwande Wright served as
Assistant Executive Director for the Center for Children and
Families/Safespace, Inc.; and

WHEREAS, While serving as Assistant Executive Director, John-Edward
Akiwande Wright established one of the first drop-in centers in Times
Square for runaway and homeless youth; this center became a critical
resource in the early 1990s for LGBTQ+ and HIV-positive youth, who too
often had nowhere to feel safe; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright was also the Assistant
Executive Director of New York City's oldest African-American-run child
welfare agency, the Harlem Dowling-Westside Center; and

WHEREAS, In 2010, John-Edward Akiwande Wright founded The Wright
Group NY, one of the first Black-owned government relations firms in New
York City and one of the only firms committed to representing non-profit
organizations and the social services sector; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright took enormous pride in the
numerous legislative advancements he and The Wright Group NY were
instrumental in achieving, like New York's Raise the Age legislation;
and

WHEREAS, The creation of The Wright Group NY was fundamentally
unique and grounded in John-Edward Akiwande Wright's vision to support
New York communities and those who are too often rendered voiceless; the
firm brought together a community of those connected by their efforts
and commitment to advance justice and equality; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright believed that meaningful
transformative change could only be achieved when the City's most
marginalized citizens gain access to influence and become
decision-makers in every aspect of government; he empowered those
advocating for equitable solutions to advance systemic change by
supporting clients and coalitions and guiding leaders and youth alike;
John-Edward also served as a board member for numerous non-profits,
including Harlem United and the Brooklyn Community Foundation; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright is survived by his three sons,
Caleb Gardner Wright, Elijah Gardner Wright, and Jaylin Speight, whom he
raised in Brooklyn with his life partner, Regina Woods; his mother,
Claudia; the mother to Caleb and Elijah, Tracie M. Gardner; and several
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; John-Edward was preceded in
death by his father, Cyrus; and

WHEREAS, It was John-Edward Akiwande Wright's identity and role as a
father that he cherished most; creating a world of access, equity,
beauty, and love for his boys gave him his deepest sense of purpose and
was his constant north star; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright's passion and joy for life was
infectious to all those around him, he was a creative at heart who loved
and supported the arts, music, and theater; he proudly celebrated his
cultural and historical roots and was an avid lover and collector of
African art; and

WHEREAS, A truly caring and compassionate individual, John-Edward
Akiwande Wright's love for animals and the outdoors led to his ventures
to train dogs and raise rare and exotic birds; he also enjoyed fly
fishing, sailing, and kayaking; and

WHEREAS, John-Edward Akiwande Wright moved through the world with a
commanding presence and power, but it was a power not through dominance,
but through service and understanding; he was a colorful, spirited, and
complex person who was widely respected for not just what he did, but
for who he was and how he did it; and

WHEREAS, With an inquisitiveness, humility, and thirst for
knowledge, John-Edward Akiwande Wright was always learning; his openness
about his journey and pursuit of personal betterment and healing
illustrated the integrity with which he lived his life; he was known for
his deep and lasting relationships, brilliant strategic mind, infectious
laugh, and his generous and compassionate spirit; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, John-Edward Akiwande Wright leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of John-Edward Akiwande Wright, and to express its
deepest condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John-Edward Akiwande Wright.

actions

  • 03 / Mar / 2023
    • REFERRED TO FINANCE

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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