MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest.
Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Clarissa WrightSebastian Restrepo
Clarissa Wright
Age: 52
Community: Agawam
Her story: Clarissa Wright has been practicing law for the past 22 years. For the majority, she’s served in a Massachusetts district attorney’s office — in Worcester, early in her career, and for the past 12 years in Hampden County as the Assistant District Attorney.
Being a voice for the voiceless is exactly where Wright feels she belongs.
“Even when the result was not what the victim wanted,” Wright said, “many were at peace because someone fought for them.”
She began to see just how far her impact could reach during her third year in college, after she led a successful student boycott against her school for its unfair book pricing.
Wright received her Juris Doctorate from Western New England Law School after graduating with her bachelor’s in accounting from Clark Atlanta University.
After starting her career in criminal defense for the first three years, Wright’s passion for activism was later deepened at the Worcester District Attorney’s Office, where she advocated for children and others who couldn’t fight for themselves.
Four years later, Wright went back to private practice in criminal defense and family law.
“However, while that work is important, I missed advocating for the safety of the community,” Wright said. The prosecutor has now been with the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office for the past 12 years.
“My primary role is ensuring the safety of the community and being a voice for victims by listening to their concerns and ensuring they are heard throughout the court process,” Wright said.
The list of crimes she’s prosecuted include, but are not limited to, sexual assaults, gun violence and drug offenses.
But it’s not just about incarceration, Wright said.
“Many times individuals suffering from substance use and/or mental health issues come into contact with the criminal justice system,” the prosecutor said.
Wright said she uses her position to help create probations with conditions that get people into treatment and “hopefully end their court involvement.”
“The ultimate goal being to assist the individual in becoming a productive member of society,” Wright said.
In addition, Wright volunteers locally through the district attorney’s office, her membership with the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and has been a member of the Board of Bar Overseers for the past five years. Her work includes mentorship of middle school students, local college woman and attorneys through Women Lawyers of Color, and participating in community service projects and educational forums.
In her words: “I would encourage others pursuing a career in law or as a prosecutor to network with others in the field. Get a job, volunteer or do an internship at a courthouse, clerk’s office, probation department or law office… I would advise them not to be discouraged by fear or perceived societal limitations.”
We’re always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
