Born: 1921 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Died: 2009 (Oakland, California)
Biography:
Mary Ann Wright (July 11, 1921 – May 7, 2009), known as Mother Wright, was a humanitarian activist who lived and worked in Oakland, California, and dedicated almost three decades to feeding the residents of the East Bay. With a budget of $137,000 a year, she remarkably provided meals to over 450 people each day. Additionally, Mother Wright distributed substantial quantities of food, clothing, and toys every holiday season, operating from her warehouse in West Oakland. Devoting her time tirelessly, even into her 80s, she would arrive at the foundation at 6 a.m. and continue to mobilize herself to move boxes throughout the day.
Born into an African-American family of Catholics in New Orleans, Mary Ann Wright was raised in the small town of Darlington, Louisiana. Growing up in poverty, she tragically lost her mother at the tender age of five and was subsequently raised by her father. Her life took a significant turn when she got married at just 14 years old and became a mother at 15. However, in 1950, she fled from an abusive husband and took her nine children, seeking solace in California. As a single mother, Mary Ann Wright worked tirelessly, often laboring long hours picking cotton, walnuts, and strawberries in various locations around the state, including Hayward and Walnut Creek. In order to make ends meet, she even had to work two jobs simultaneously, serving as a domestic helper during the daytime and toiling at a San Leandro cannery during the nighttime. Nevertheless, she managed to remarry and had three more children, including one that she adopted.
In 1980, Mary Ann Wright experienced a transformative moment when she claimed to have been awakened by God in her sleep. She had a vision in a dream that instructed her to feed the hungry. Recalling this divine encounter, she stated, The Lord woke me up in the middle of the night and told me what he wanted me to do, which was feed the hungry. Following this calling, she began by providing meals to the poor and homeless, initially serving one meal a week on Saturdays at Jefferson Park in downtown Oakland. With support from various individuals and organizations, such as grocers, produce merchants, local church leaders, community groups, and city officials, this endeavor evolved into what is now known as the Mother Mary Ann Wright Foundation.
Through the foundation, Mary Ann Wright, along with her family members and numerous volunteers, would regularly collect food and clothing donations from different local businesses, including Safeway, as well as from other generous donors. These resources were then distributed to those in need. The main distribution center for the foundation was located at their warehouse on San Pablo Avenue at 32nd Street. During the holiday season, long lines would form outside the warehouse, with Mother Wright herself often taking to the sidewalk, bullhorn in hand, leading a prayer as people collected bags of boxed and canned food, toys, and Christmas trees. Furthermore, in addition to aiding individuals in Oakland, the Mother Ann Wright Foundation extended its assistance to people in Russia and Vietnam. The foundation also established a school in Kenya, exemplifying Mother Wright’s global humanitarian impact.
Mother Wright left a lasting legacy in her community, having dedicated her life to providing nourishment and support for those in need. Her selfless acts of kindness and unwavering dedication continue to inspire and remind us of the power of compassion and generosity. Mary Ann Wright, known affectionately as Mother Wright, will forever be remembered as a trailblazer in the fight against hunger and poverty.
Awards:
– Omit this section as there are no official awards or recognitions mentioned for Mother Wright.