H 5655

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5655
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
A house RESOLUTION
to express the profound sorrow of the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright
of Orangeburg, to celebrate his life, and to extend the deepest sympathy to his
family and many friends.
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of
the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright of Orangeburg on April 27, 2026, at the
venerable age of eighty; and
Whereas, born on
October 31, 1946, in Orangeburg, he was the son of the late James and Jessie
Mae Wright and the sixth of eight children; and
Whereas, he was
educated in the public schools of Orangeburg, graduating from Wilkinson High
School in 1965, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from
South Carolina State University, which recognized him as a distinguished alumnus
in 1997; and
Whereas, as a young
man, he courageously participated in the Orangeburg Civil Rights Movement,
enduring multiple arrests for civil disobedience.  He was recognized by the American
Friends Service Committee for his work with the Voter Education Project in 1964,
and served as first vice president of the State NAACP Youth Conference; and
Whereas, following his
education, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, achieving
the rank of Sergeant in less than ten months.  He served honorably in Vietnam
in 1968 with the 18th Military Police Brigade, and 93rd Military
Police Company, receiving a Certificate of Military Combat; and
Whereas, upon returning
home, he continued his service through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8166, becoming
a life member and serving as commander for more than ten years.  He also was recognized
as "Man of the Year" in 1983; and
Whereas, a steadfast
advocate for justice, equality, and community empowerment, Mr. Wright was a revered
civil rights activist and tireless champion in the fight against poverty,
dedicating more than four decades of his life to uplifting underserved
communities and strengthening institutions designed to serve them. His lifelong
advocacy helped dismantle systemic barriers and advance equity and economic
justice at the local, state, and national levels; and
Whereas, his remarkable
forty-eight-year tenure with the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg (OCAB) Community
Action Agency Inc. transformed the organization into a pillar of hope and
progress throughout the region.  Under his leadership, OCAB became more than an
agency, it evolved into a lifeline for families facing economic hardship, a
voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for sustainable change across
Orangeburg, Calhoun, Allendale, and Bamberg counties; and
Whereas, beyond his
professional accomplishments, Mr. Wright was a widely respected figure in the Orangeburg
community, known for his wisdom, humility, faith, and kindness, and served as a
mentor, leader, and friend to all who knew him.  He also was known for his
impeccable sense of style, which reflected the dignity and respect he carried
for his mission and the people he served; and
Whereas, Mr. Calvin
Wright was a faithful member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg.  He is
lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Tonya Steward Wright; his daughters,
Tyese Wright and Chelsea Steward; his granddaughter, Maya Ralls; his siblings;
and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues; and
Whereas, the members of
the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and
legacy of Mr. Calvin Wright, whose service, resilience, and transformative
leadership will continue to inspire future generations.  Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the
South Carolina House of Representatives,
by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mr. Calvin
Wright of Orangeburg, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to
his family and many friends.
Be it further resolved
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Calvin Wright.
----XX----
This web page was last updated on May 06, 2026 at 11:49 AM