Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Rev. Jeremiah Wright
Unidentified White House photographer · Public domain · source
Name	Rev. Jeremiah Wright
Birth date	September 22, 1941
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Occupation	Pastor, African Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. Jeremiah Wright is a prominent African-American pastor and former pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his outspoken and sometimes controversial views on racism in the United States, social justice, and American foreign policy. Wright has been a vocal critic of United States foreign policy, particularly with regards to its treatment of Palestinians and its involvement in the Iraq War. He has also been a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice, often citing the works of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

● Early Life and Education

Rev. Jeremiah Wright was born on September 22, 1941, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to a family of Baptist ministers. He grew up in a Christian household and was educated at Virginia Union University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and philosophy. Wright then went on to study at the University of Chicago Divinity School, earning a Master of Arts degree in the history of religions. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. During his time at the University of Chicago, Wright was influenced by the works of James Cone, a prominent theologian and advocate for black liberation theology. Wright's education and early life experiences would later shape his views on social justice and racism in the United States, which were influenced by the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power movement.

● Ministry and Career

Rev. Jeremiah Wright began his ministry at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as the senior pastor from 1972 to 2008. During his tenure, the church grew from a small congregation of 87 members to a large and influential church with over 8,000 members. Wright's ministry was marked by his emphasis on social justice and community outreach, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans and other marginalized communities. He was also a vocal critic of racism in the United States and American foreign policy, often citing the works of Frantz Fanon and Edward Said. Wright's views were influenced by the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., and he was a member of the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

● Controversies and Criticisms

Rev. Jeremiah Wright has been the subject of controversy and criticism throughout his career, particularly with regards to his views on racism in the United States and American foreign policy. In 2008, a series of videos surfaced showing Wright making inflammatory comments about United States foreign policy and racism in the United States, including a sermon in which he said "God damn America" for its treatment of African Americans. The videos sparked widespread outrage and criticism, with many Republican politicians and commentators condemning Wright's views as anti-American and racist. Wright's views were also criticized by some Democratic politicians, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. However, Wright's supporters, including Cornel West and Michael Eric Dyson, defended his views as a necessary critique of systemic racism and American imperialism.

● Relationship with Barack Obama

Rev. Jeremiah Wright had a close relationship with Barack Obama, who was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ from 1992 to 2008. Obama credits Wright with helping him to find his Christian faith and with providing him with a sense of community and purpose. However, the relationship between Wright and Obama became strained in 2008, when the controversy over Wright's views erupted. Obama eventually distanced himself from Wright, saying that he was "saddened" by Wright's comments and that he did not agree with his views. Despite this, Wright remained a supporter of Obama and continued to speak out on issues of social justice and racism in the United States, often citing the works of W.E.B. Du Bois and Carter G. Woodson. Wright's relationship with Obama was also influenced by the African American community and the Civil Rights Movement, which played a significant role in shaping Obama's views on social justice and racism in the United States.

● Later Life and Activities

Since his retirement from Trinity United Church of Christ in 2008, Rev. Jeremiah Wright has continued to be active in social justice and community outreach efforts. He has written several books, including A Sankofa Moment: The History of Trinity United Church of Christ and Jericans: The Story of a Family's Struggle to Survive, and has spoken at numerous conferences and events on issues related to racism in the United States, American foreign policy, and social justice. Wright has also been involved in various community development projects, including the Trinity United Church of Christ's community outreach program, which provides support to low-income families and individuals. Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Wright remains a respected and influential figure in the African American community and continues to be a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights, often citing the works of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Wright's legacy is also influenced by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which have played a significant role in shaping his views on social justice and racism in the United States.