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.
Donnell R. Wright
Donnell WrightSebastian Restrepo
Age: 59
Community: Springfield
His story: As a child growing up in Springfield, Donnell R. Wright said he was exposed to the trauma of domestic violence, alcoholism and drug addiction. He started using drugs as a kid, experimenting with codeine — the active ingredient in cough syrup.
“My addiction grew as did the violence surrounding and involving me as I was nearly killed several times in this city!” he told MassLive.
Wright said he then graduated to using methamphetamines, psychedelics, heroin, then cocaine and then crack cocaine into his early adulthood. By the time he was in the 7th grade, he was busted by the Drug Enforcement Agency at Kylie Junior High School in Springfield.
“Suspended for two years I had nothing but time to get in trouble and I am one of the first and original school-to-prison pipeline kids!” he said.
He began selling drugs full-time, stating he was his best customer. He was in constant trouble with the law, jumping in and out of prison. Soon his addiction took over his life and he found himself without a home.
“I am a recovering addict and formally convicted felon who served prison time for drug trafficking and weapons possession,” he said. “But today I am an asset to our society and community!”
After completing a seven-year state prison sentence, Wright said he was released on parole in 2011. He left a life behind bars with two bachelors of science degrees in interdisciplinary studies and social justice from Boston University. Soon after he was released, Wright became a public and motivational speaker on criminal justice reform, reintegration and spirituality.
Wright said he has been sought after by many organizations and politicians in Boston who were eager to hear his story. He has even spoken in front of the Massachusetts Legislature, which led to changes in Massachusetts’ minimum mandatory sentencing laws.
Wright, who was present at Gov. Charlie Baker’s inauguration, said he showed the former Republican governor his degrees and said that he was still having trouble finding a job. It was that moment when Baker offered him a full-time job at the Statehouse.
Wright is the president and CEO of Innervizion Empowerment and Consulting Center, a spiritually based non-religious inspirational program, that helps connect marginalized communities with the resources they need to combat issues such as mental health issues, gun violence, addiction and homelessness.
“Today I work a full-time job but I am always on call as an advocate and mentor advocating for those who are unable to speak and/or stand up for themselves from criminal justice issues to consumer business relations we fight for those who cannot fight for themselves!” he said.
In his words: “My advice is to be fearless and bold with a wide spectrum of vision, to never stop listening or coming to the table assuming that you know how this all works, or you know exactly what a population needs. Keep learning, pivot, grow, challenge yourself and do it because you feel fulfilled in being a part of bringing about positive changes.”
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.
