Statement from Congresswoman Joyce Beatty on the Passing of Les Wright

COLUMBUS, OH- Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) issued the following statement on the passing of Les Wright:

I honor the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Les Wright, an esteemed leader in Columbus politics and a trailblazer for women in public service across Ohio.

A child of the Great Depression, Les Wright dedicated her life's work to advancing marginalized communities in Columbus. Over a six-decade career, she became the first African American woman to serve on Columbus City Council, and also built distinguished careers with Columbus Public Schools and Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric(now American Electric Power).

Paving the way for women and Black leaders statewide, Wright founded the Alliance of Black Women in 1982 and Corporate Sisters in 1995 to provide mentorship, encouragement, and professional development to Black women in politics and business. She also founded the nonprofit Strategies Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), a community-based initiative for nonviolence recognized by the Clinton Administration for its impact in reducing juvenile violence.

Often the only woman in the room, Les Wright courageously opened doors for others, creating opportunity with every milestone. I am profoundly grateful for the path she blazed for me and for so many others. She was a changemaker, a trailblazer, and a tireless advocate for our community. She will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.

May she rest in power.

###