James L. Wright, Jr.: The Way It Should Be Done
Veteran, Beloved Journalist Dies At 63
By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB ROBERTS
James Wright Jr. represented the best in traditional journalism. He mastered his voice in a wide swath of subject matter, from sports to interviews with internationally recognized global leaders. His work helped to report and define information and culture in the DMV over the past three decades: that is to say, helped to ensure that the full voice of the African American community was heard and recorded for history. He contributed that literary picture of what black communities, black excellence and black pain meant in the early part of the 21st century. He did this quietly and consistently, week after week, year after year.
And just as quietly, he passed away in November, at his home in Prince George’s. He was 63.
I met James through colleagues who meant well but didn’t prepare me for just how good he was. I knew that he was a big man with a huge smile and a firm grip in a handshake. He was a veteran sports writer, active in community politics, devoted to his faith, and committed to the tenets of the craft of journalism. I didn’t know that he’d travelled, covering social and political stories around the world, including Italy, Africa, the Middle East, and Afghanistan. I had no idea that he’d held political office himself (the Seat Pleasant City Council) or that he considered himself an advocate for small and black-owned businesses.
What I learned is that he was the real thing. In a world where media personalities can be outspoken, flashy, and insistent on being a brand, Wright was the polar opposite. He was more like a shadow observer, watching events unfold and conducting the interviews he needed away from the flashing cameras. Using a notepad and a pen while others were applying cellphones and audio devices, James Wright was the simple but brilliant Everyman of his profession: not attempting to stand above everyone, but clearly not one to be pushed below anyone either.
That may be one of the best lessons he has left us. In addition to his body of work, Wright knew it was best to be passionate about the work, and the issues over the style and glam. He avoided the distractions, which gave him more time to focus on the facts: to be guided by the mission and not the surrounding mayhem. James Wright might say he worked for his readers rather than his resume. In an industry already suffering from the loss of these traditional, irreplaceable reporters, our world and region are now short one more.
Read more about James Wright from the people who worked closest to him:
Remembering Washington Informer James Wright: DC Area Mourns Loss of Veteran Journalist
https://www.washingtoninformer.com/james-wright-legacy-washington-informer/
Beloved Journalist James L. Wright, Jr. Dies At 63
