[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 177 (Friday, November 18, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF MR. BENJAMIN HICKMANN WRIGHT SR.

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2011

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. 
Benjamin Hickman Wright, Senior who passed away on April 12, 2011. His 
beloved family is holding a memorial service on November 23, 2011. 
Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Wright exemplified the highest traits of 
fidelity to his country and family in a manner truly deserving of this 
great honor. Mr. Wright was an individual who came from a lineage that 
strove for excellence in all facets of their work. Over a lifetime of 
achievement and service to others, Mr. Wright embodied the ideals of 
hard work and dedication to his community, which is the bedrock of 
American values.
   Mr. Wright was an individual who realized significant achievements 
throughout his life. This can be traced back to his family who attained 
advanced degrees in the early twentieth century. In fact Mr. Wright's 
grandfather and great uncle were the first African American physicians 
in Ohio. Mr. Wright's father was a top ranking life insurance salesman 
who also gave back to his community by teaching sharecroppers how to 
read, write and calculate the price of their produce and goods. After 
receiving a stellar education, Mr. Wright served in the armed forces 
during World War II in the European Theater as a First Class Petty 
Officer of the United States Navy. He was recently honored for his 
service with an Armed Forces Citation signed by President Obama.
   From one generation to the next, it is evident that the Wright 
family has attained significant accomplishments and remained committed 
to excellence in their work. Mr. Wright maintained and advanced this 
work through his many accomplishments including his service in the 
military followed by his service as an Economic Advisor in Monrovia, 
Liberia. Mr. Wright would go on to become a business owner and an 
employee in several fortune 500 companies. By the 1980's he founded a 
nationwide coalition of civic and fraternal associations that served to 
empower and up lift others.
   His commitment to serving his community and country and his 
accomplishments benefited and enhanced the lives of many citizens over 
several decades. His memory and work will be remembered by a grateful 
nation and I am pleased to add my voice as his family celebrates his 
legacy.

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