South Carolina H 5655: sympathy Calvin Wright

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5655 Text of Previous Version (May. 06, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5655

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

to express the profound sorrow of the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives upon the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright 
of Orangeburg, to celebrate his life, and to extend the deepest sympathy to his 
family and many friends. 

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of 
the passing of Mr. Calvin Wright of Orangeburg on April 27, 2026, at the 
venerable age of eighty; and 

Whereas, born on 
October 31, 1946, in Orangeburg, he was the son of the late James and Jessie 
Mae Wright and the sixth of eight children; and

Whereas, he was 
educated in the public schools of Orangeburg, graduating from Wilkinson High 
School in 1965, and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from 
South Carolina State University, which recognized him as a distinguished alumnus 
in 1997; and

Whereas, as a young 
man, he courageously participated in the Orangeburg Civil Rights Movement, 
enduring multiple arrests for civil disobedience. He was recognized by the American 
Friends Service Committee for his work with the Voter Education Project in 1964, 
and served as first vice president of the State NAACP Youth Conference; and 

Whereas, following his 
education, he honorably served his country in the United States Army, achieving 
the rank of Sergeant in less than ten months. He served honorably in Vietnam 
in 1968 with the 18th Military Police Brigade, and 93rd Military 
Police Company, receiving a Certificate of Military Combat; and 

Whereas, upon returning 
home, he continued his service through the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8166, becoming 
a life member and serving as commander for more than ten years. He also was recognized 
as "Man of the Year" in 1983; and 

Whereas, a steadfast 
advocate for justice, equality, and community empowerment, Mr. Wright was a revered 
civil rights activist and tireless champion in the fight against poverty, 
dedicating more than four decades of his life to uplifting underserved 
communities and strengthening institutions designed to serve them. His lifelong 
advocacy helped dismantle systemic barriers and advance equity and economic 
justice at the local, state, and national levels; and 

Whereas, his remarkable 
forty-eight-year tenure with the Orangeburg-Calhoun-Allendale-Bamberg (OCAB) Community 
Action Agency Inc. transformed the organization into a pillar of hope and 
progress throughout the region. Under his leadership, OCAB became more than an 
agency, it evolved into a lifeline for families facing economic hardship, a 
voice for the voiceless, and a catalyst for sustainable change across 
Orangeburg, Calhoun, Allendale, and Bamberg counties; and 

Whereas, beyond his 
professional accomplishments, Mr. Wright was a widely respected figure in the Orangeburg 
community, known for his wisdom, humility, faith, and kindness, and served as a 
mentor, leader, and friend to all who knew him. He also was known for his 
impeccable sense of style, which reflected the dignity and respect he carried 
for his mission and the people he served; and 

Whereas, Mr. Calvin 
Wright was a faithful member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg. He is 
lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Tonya Steward Wright; his daughters, 
Tyese Wright and Chelsea Steward; his granddaughter, Maya Ralls; his siblings; 
and a host of extended family members, dear friends, and colleagues; and 

Whereas, the members of 
the South Carolina House of Representatives are grateful for the life and 
legacy of Mr. Calvin Wright, whose service, resilience, and transformative 
leadership will continue to inspire future generations. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Mr. Calvin 
Wright of Orangeburg, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to 
his family and many friends. 

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Mr. Calvin Wright.

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This web page was last updated on May 06, 2026 at 11:49 AM