James L. Wright Jr., a beloved and longtime Washington Informer staff writer with more than three decades experience reporting across the D.C. area, nation and worldwide, has died.
Having worked with the publication for years in many capacities, Wright was a critical part of The Washington Informer family and his news comes as a major shock to the entire team.
“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.”
The Washington Informer has spoken to authorities who confirmed he died of natural causes in his home in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.
As an Informer staff writer, Wright, 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, Wright 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.
“James L. Wright Jr. was a kind and gentle person and a fantastic reporter. I knew him from my earliest days in government as a strong, fair, and honest writer who cared deeply about his city. Most of all, he loved Washingtonians and telling the stories of the least, the lost, and the left out,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “His connection to his readers was unparalleled. My deepest condolences are with The Washington Informer family and all who loved James. The District will miss his warmth, his voice, and all that he did to elevate our community.”
A Fearless Reporter and Community Leader
In addition to his fearless journalism, Wright was a proud Texas native and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter.
“Brother James Wright carried a pleasant spirit everywhere he went — whether I crossed paths with him covering the annual MLK Day Parade in Southeast D.C., reporting from the halls of CBC, or standing proudly on the prow of multiple political meetings in the community where truth needed a voice. His dedication to his craft as a writer and reporter for The Washington Informer was matched only by his pride in becoming an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Lambda Chapter this September,” said Mikael LaRoche, Mu Lambda president. “He pledged the fraternity in 1984, at the Eta Gamma Chapter seated in Prairie View University. His presence, his professionalism, and the warmth he brought to every encounter will be deeply missed. We honor his legacy and the impact he made on our Brotherhood and our city.”
The longtime journalist was also a member of the Seat Pleasant City Council from 2022-2024, where he also served as vice president.
“[Wright] has proved himself as a dedicated community advocate. His collaborative spirit and effective teamwork have been recognized by his colleagues, making him a natural fit for the council vice president,” read a September 2023 statement from the Seat Pleasant City Council.
In addition to his several responsibilities in journalism and reporting, Wright was also passionate about prioritizing his faith as a dedicated member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Northwest D.C.
“James was literally the first person I met when I walked into Asbury,” said the Rev. Dr. Ronald Bell, pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church. “We connected immediately, he was confident and a guide. He was a fraternity brother and a friend.”
Having worked with him at both The Washington Informer and AFRO-American Newspapers, Micha Green, WI managing editor, said she long watched and admired Wright’s 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.”
Rolark Barnes emphasized the major magnitude of Wright’s loss not only for The Informer, but also for the publication’s avid readers and the residents who he worked to inspire and inform through his reporting.
“James was the best,” she said, “and his byline leaves an empty space on the pages of The Washington Informer.”
Was saddened to hear my childhood friend, James Wright passed away. But I was proud to know the contributions he made for this country and abroad. Condolences to his family.