'A giant man of God': C.T. Wright, chairman of Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, dies at 78

C.T. Enus Wright, chairman of the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, has died at age 78.

Wright was remembered as a "giant," "mentor," and "stalwart leader" to people across Arizona's criminal justice, faith and education communities. 

Wright, who died Friday, was appointed to the clemency board in 2014 by Gov. Jan Brewer and became chairman in 2016. He was reappointed in 2019.  

His family said Wright had been recovering from a fall that occurred in August. He died of an infection after being admitted to the hospital last week. 

Those who worked with him on the Board of Executive Clemency said Wright's kindness, humility, experience and humor will be missed. 

"Despite all of his own personal success, he was always rooting for and guiding others to be successful and he always saw the best in people," Kathryn Blades, the executive director said. "Although his loss leaves a great void at the board and in the community, his positive impact on the criminal justice system in Arizona will be felt for years to come."

During a May 2019 hearing to decide if a female inmate should be granted parole or house arrest, Wright reminded the board they were dealing with human beings. The chairman said he could understand the inmate's side and the victim's. 

As a member of the Arizona Electoral College, he served as a delegate for multiple national conventions and met six presidents. He frequently led prayers at campaign rallies, including for President Donald Trump and state leaders. He was a member of the Republican Party. 

Olivet James-Robinson, Wright's cousin, said he was humble and didn't want to be in the limelight even though he helped a lot of people in his lifetime. 

"He really enjoyed helping others, I think that was his passion," she said. "People have different passions. Some people have a passion for sports, some may have a passion for music. But his passion, I truly believe, was to help people." 

He was an "Arizona treasure," according to Gov. Doug Ducey. The governor said Wright lived a life defined by hard work and faith. 

"He was someone who believed strongly in America and all that we stand for; someone who loved Arizona and its people," Ducey said in a statement. "Someone who promoted unity and believed strongly in the power of prayer."

Wright grew up in Social Circle, Georgia, and was raised in a family of sharecroppers.  

He started his career as an elementary school teacher in his hometown. Wright would go on to work in many of the country's historically black colleges and universities. 

He held multiple administrative positions at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Eastern Washington University and Talladega College in Alabama. Morris Brown was founded for black students in 1881, and Talladega College is Alabama's oldest private historically black college. 

In 1982, he became the president of Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the country’s first HBCU.  

According to a 1984 Ebony magazine article announcing his presidency, “Dr. Wright wants to expand the educational opportunities for all minorities while president of Cheyney.”  

He resigned from his position at the university in 1985. 

Wright served in law enforcement in Atlanta; Miami-Dade County, Florida; at the Talladega Federal Prison in Alabama; and in Florida prison educational programs. 

Wright had a passion for Africa and helping with human rights. He came to Arizona through his work for the International Foundation for Education and Self-Help. The organization worked to help people in Africa. 

He founded the Light of Hope Institute, which promotes human rights around the world. 

A scholarship for graduate students earning a master's degree in social justice and human rights from Arizona State University was created in Wright's honor. The Dr. C.T. Wright Social Circles of Justice Student Support Fund supports student initiatives, including research and travel to Africa.

The family encourages donations to the fund in lieu of sending flowers.

Wright was like family for some Arizona leaders, who considered him their "brother." 

Pastor Warren H. Stewart Sr, of First Institutional Baptist Church, said Wright was always encouraging. Wright was a member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition with Stewart. The group advocates for issues impacting the Black community.

"A giant man of God now sleeps and we thank God for his life, leadership, ministry and legacy," Stewart said. 

Rusty Bowers, Arizona House speaker, also considered Wright his brother.

The speaker said Wright was a "one-of-a-kind, break-the-mold, never-to-be-repeated human being." 

"He was a thoughtful and true friend, carefully counseling in prose and pastorage an ofttimes seeking brother through many political decisions," Bowers said in a statement remembering his mentor. "His gift of lifting all about him will not be lost, and his legacy will always in goodness remain."

Wright received the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. 

He was a member of the Fountain Hills Unified School District governing board. He served the district for 14 years.

Jill Reed, president of the governing board, said the district has lost a great leader and student advocate.  

"Dr. Wright was a kind and compassionate man with a passion for education, and we will miss hearing him say that he was part of 'The best school district in the world, Fountain Hills,'" she said. 

Wright earned degrees from Fort Valley State University, Clark Atlanta University and Boston University. He received an honorary degree from Mary Holmes College.  

Mary, Wright's wife of 45 years, died in May. 

There will be a viewing at Preston Funeral Home, 3800 S. Central Ave. in Phoenix, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. The funeral will be at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix, at 11 a.m. Saturday. 

Social distance guidelines will be in place at both services. 

Reach criminal justice reporter Lauren Castle at Lauren.Castle@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lauren_Castle.

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