[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 185 (Tuesday, October 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING C.T. WRIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 27, 2020

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Dr. C.T. Wright, who passed away in October 2020. A longtime resident 
of Arizona, Dr. Wright was a community leader, pastor, and criminal 
justice advocate. He was the embodiment of the American Dream and 
devoted his life to preaching unity and making Arizona a better place 
for all. From his work as chairman of the Arizona Board of Executive 
Clemency to his civic and religious pursuits, Dr. Wright was a force 
for good and his enduring legacy is his love for Arizona.
  Born in Social Circle, Georgia, Dr. Wright lived many lives as a day 
laborer in the Georgia cotton fields, scholar, elementary school 
teacher, college professor, university president, and leader in 
criminal justice reform. Through all of this, he learned firsthand the 
value of persistence, open-mindedness and hard work--and how crucial 
they are in building better communities. These lessons refined his 
character and took him around the world.
  After working in Africa, Dr. Wright decided to bring his message of 
unity and civility to Arizona, a place he called ``the greatest state 
on the planet.'' His voice would often echo through the chamber and 
halls of the Arizona State Senate, in rooms of state GOP meetings and 
into the stands at campaign rallies when he delivered passionate 
prayers to members of a nation he saw as greatly divided--but not 
beyond repair. Throughout his years here, Dr. Wright quickly became a 
landmark member and advocate for Arizona's African-American community 
and earned his place as a delegate in political conventions, a member 
of the Arizona Electoral College, the Fountain Hills Unified School 
District Governing Board, chairman of the Arizona Board of Executive 
Clemency and many other honors.
  After being appointed to the Board of Executive Clemency in May 2014, 
Dr. Wright helped give a second chance to inmates and their families 
through compassionate early releases. It was one of many positions Dr. 
Wright used to bridge the gap between faith and politics and help 
everyday Arizonans and political leaders make environments that 
encourage inclusivity, understanding and progress. Dr. Wright wasn't 
afraid to be outspoken but was reluctant of recognition. He wanted his 
work to speak for itself, and it has. His impact on his community was 
commemorated with the Congressional Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
  As he leaves us, we should remember that he leaves us with lessons to 
act on and words to live by, ``Behold how good and how pleasant it is 
together, together in unity.'' I thank Dr. Wright for his life's work, 
and Godspeed.

                          ____________________