John S. Wright Recognized for Outstanding Achievement
On Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Dr. John S. Wright was honored with the University's Outstanding Achievement Award. This award represents the highest nondegree award conferred upon distinguished alumni by the University of Minnesota.
Demands into action
Wright arrived at the University in 1963 to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. As a leader of the University’s Afro-American Action Committee, he was asked to write a position statement on their behalf after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. This statement, a list of seven demands to address the systemic racism happening on campus, called for increased recruitment of and scholarships for Black high school students, counseling and support for Black U students, representation of Black students in policy making groups, and the creation of an African American Studies program.
The University was slow to take action, and as a result, 70 Black students occupied Morrill Hall the following winter. Their demands? The very list Wright had authored and presented to administration on behalf of the protestors. The peaceful protest lasted just 24 hours, but the effects were long-lasting.
Wright's demands helped pave the way for the creation of the University’s African American and African Studies Department – one of the first of its kind in the nation. His leadership also prompted the creation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Program – a program that, 55 years later, continues to guide and support CLA students while also preparing them for meaningful community contributions.
Outstanding Achievement Award: John S. Wright
CLA congratulates Dr. John S. Wright as a recipient of the University’s Outstanding Achievement Award—conferred upon graduates who have attained unusual distinction in their chosen fields or professions or in public service, and who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership on a community, state, national, or international level.
A scholar for life
But Wright’s courage during those pivotal events of 1969 was really just the beginning of a lifelong journey of academic leadership and service. After receiving his master’s in English and American Literature from the University of Minnesota, he went on to create and lead Carleton College’s African and Afro-American Studies Program where he worked from 1973-1984. He returned to CLA to earn his PhD in American Studies, and become the inaugural chair of the college's Department of Afro American Studies.
His scholarship in Black history, culture, and the arts has made him a world-class educator, recognized by the University with the Horace T. Morse Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education in 1999 and his induction into the Academy of Distinguished Teachers.
His former students now teach in the African American & African Studies Department and serve in important leadership roles across the state. His impact resonates far beyond the University’s walls. But perhaps one of his most significant contributions is his tireless work to ensure that Minnesota’s Black citizens, from all walks of life, know that they have a place at the University of Minnesota.
Keeping Black Americans' stories alive
Through his writing, artistic performances, musical recordings, theater productions, and public lectures, he has kept alive the stories of Black Americans’ struggles and triumphs, both in this state and nationwide. A testament to his vision and leadership is the Archie Givens Sr. Collection of African American Literature and Life, housed within the University Libraries. It stands as one of the most extensive archives of works from the Harlem Renaissance and documents the contributions of legendary Minnesotans like Phyllis Wheatley, Josie Johnson, and Gordon Parks.
During the event, Interim Dean Ann Waltner described Wright as an outstanding educator, groundbreaking researcher, diligent mentor, and a servant-leader to his community. "His legacy is woven into the fabric of the University of Minnesota and will continue to inspire future generations," she said. "We are so proud to call him an alum."
The program also included community reflections from three nominators and friends: Abdul Omari, regent emeritus, University of Minnesota; Robert Bruinincks, president and professor emeritus, University of Minnesota, and Roxanne Givens, president, the Givens Foundation for African American Literature.
