Remembering James Wright

It is with incredible sadness The Washington Informer (WI) announces the passing of our beloved staff writer James L. Wright Jr. (November 9, 1963-November 2025).  

Having worked with the publication for decades in many capacities, James was a critical part of our Washington Informer family and this sad news comes with a great deal of heartbreak, confusion and a lot of questions.

The Washington Informer learned of his death this morning and spoke with law enforcement officials, who confirmed he died of natural causes. Team members are now working with his family to gather details.

“No words can express the sadness I feel over James Wright’s passing. He was a passionate journalist who loved history and enjoyed writing stories about the people who make the nation’s capital the great place he called home,” said WI Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. “He will be sorely missed by the Informer staff, his colleagues and the community he served. James was the best and his byline leaves an empty space on the pages of The Washington Informer.” 

As an Informer staff writer, James, 62, covered business and politics. He worked for AFRO-American Newspapers as a reporter, city editor and freelance writer and copy editor for The Washington Post. 

Working as a journalist for more than three decades, James interviewed foreign leaders such as Libya’s Moammar Quadafi and South Africa’s Thabo Mbeki, and countless U.S. Black political leaders. His work took him throughout the United States, as well as Libya, Afghanistan, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom and Italy.

In addition to his fearless journalism, James was a proud Texas native and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter. 

James was also a member of the Seat Pleasant City Council from 2022-2024, where he served as vice president.

Having worked with him at both The Washington Informer and AFRO-American Newspapers, Micha Green, WI managing editor, said she long watched and admired James’ fearless reporting and looked to him regularly for reliable news coverage.

“James Wright was more than just a staff writer, he was a valued member of The Washington Informer family and someone I could always rely on for a strong story about happenings across the District and region,” she said. “He was passionate about preserving history and uplifting Black businesses and people. I was really excited about some of the stories he had slated for this week, including highlighting Black entrepreneurs working as part of Small Business Saturday and to align with the new Washington Commanders stadium. His kind and giving personality, fearless reporting and strong storytelling will be incredibly missed.”