James M. Wright Sr., founder of Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals, dies at 83

NORFOLK — More than four decades ago, James M. Wright Sr. didn’t like the continuous negative portrayal of Black people in the media, so he decided to do something about it. The founder of Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals leaves a legacy as a role model who broke ground for racial diversity in journalism.

Wright died on April 4 at 83.

“He was an amazing mentor to so many of us. He always had a kind word and encouraged me to learn all facets of the news business,” Nicole Livas, an anchor and reporter for 13NewsNow, said. “He was truly a media pioneer in the Hampton Roads market.”

Livas recalled how her mother, Becky, worked with Wright at WTAR. Many years later, when Livas interned at WAVY-TV, he was the chief editor.

Passionate about photography, Wright delved into the field in 1957 developing black-and-white film at Haycox Photoramic Studio in Norfolk. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1959.

He began his career in 1971 as a photojournalist with WTAR-TV3 (now WTKR News 3) and retired as chief editor from WAVY-TV 10 in 1996.

In 1982, he started Tidewater Media Professionals, renamed in 1988 to Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. An affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, HRBMP has 75 members.

Its mission is to support Black journalists in Hampton Roads and inspire Black students to pursue college and media-related careers.

Wright served as a role model for photojournalists of color, and he worked to improve opportunities and build professionalism through his establishment of the nonprofit. For that, Wright got a commendation in 2000 from the Virginia Senate in a joint resolution.

Black journalists are grateful for Wright’s dream to create Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals and will strive to carry it on, Lisa Godley, president of HRBMP and senior producer for diverse production and outreach at WHRO Public Media, said in a news release.

“James had a vision for journalists of color to be able to come together, bond and address the issues they confronted on a daily basis,” she said.

Karen Eure Wilson, another founding member of HRBMP and a public relations specialist, said when the organization was on the verge of disbanding in the mid-2000s, it was Wright’s firmness that kept them together.

Shelia Harrison, HRBMP’s budget chair, worked closely with Wright throughout the past 20 years and said he was the glue that held the organization together.

“He was dedicated to making sure the organization thrived and grew,” she said. “He was a gentle giant; soft-spoken but a strong individual who was committed and an encourager.”

Wright’s widow, Barbara, said he was a humble person who, when asked to speak publicly, would emphasize that he stayed behind the camera. He is also survived by two sons, a daughter, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons.

“Just like he held the organization together, he held the family together,” she said.

Since its inception 41 years ago, Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals has worked with universities and other nonprofits to bring more than 100 programs to young African Americans, including journalism workshops and media training. They include the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, the Urban League of Hampton Roads and Norfolk State, Hampton and Elizabeth State universities.

The organization has awarded more than $130,000 in scholarships to minority students. A scholarship, in Wright’s name, is under development, and Harrison said the first one will be awarded in May.

Wright received numerous awards throughout his lengthy career, including a United Press International first-place award in 1984 for best in-depth photography.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com