Ricardo "Ricky" Wright

Ricardo (Ricky) Wright, 73, passed away on Sunday, August 15th, at his home. Ricardo was born October 25, 1947, in Glen Rogers, WV to Laura and Richard Wright. Ricardo graduated from Stratton High School in Beckley, WV and later attended West Virginia State College, where he received his degree in Business Administration. While attending West Virginia State, Ricardo was named as part of the 1969-1970 edition of Who's Who Among Students. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who show outstanding leadership ability which is displayed by academic aptitude, community service, and extracurricular activities. Ricardo pledged Kappa Alpha Psi while in college. After graduating and being encouraged by his sister Evadean, Ricardo relocated from WV to Columbus, Ohio and started his career with Huntington National Bank in 1971. During his nearly 30-year tenure with the Huntington, Ricardo held many positions, including Personal Banker, Community Reinvestment Officer, Marketing Specialist and Assistant Vice President. Ricardo worked closely with the African American Community and Minority Suppliers program to serve the underprivileged. He assisted in developing the Community Centered Banking Program, whose goal was to strengthen the banking relationship in low-to-moderate-income communities. The program won a national award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ricardo was recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives for his impressive dedication, altruistic spirit and service to others. Ricardo received a deserving appointment by the Ohio House of Representatives, being named Community Reinvestment Act Administrator for Huntington National Banks Community Reinvestment Department. In the role, Ricardo was responsible for ensuring the bank complied with the act, which Congress enacted in 1977. In 1992, Ricardo orchestrated a photographic exhibit for the bank called "A Walk-Through History: A Celebration of African American Life and Culture", writing the business segment which highlighted the history of African Americans in Columbus who worked in many professional fields. Ricardo wrote about the progression of African Americans employed at the Huntington. In 1996, Ricardo was featured in the Columbus Dispatch where he discussed his 25-year banking career and overcoming barriers and preconceptions as a Black man due to few blacks working in the banking industry. Continuing to receive recognition for his work, Ricardo was recognized by The Blue-Chip Foundation for his significant contributions on behalf of the development of African Americans. After leaving Huntington, Ricardo was employed by My Brother's Keeper, where he continued his community work as the Director of Family Services. Ricardo was also recognized for his work as an Action for Children board member. Working with a number of individuals on the music, lyrics, and sentiments expressed, Ricardo wrote the "Kwanzaa Playground" song in honor of the first Afrocentric playground in Ohio. Ricardo was featured in the Columbus Dispatch where he discussed the labor of love in creating the song. Ricardo later received the Founders Award for his giving spirit that helped to enrich the community. Ricardo enjoyed participating in the Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (F.A.C.E.) Celebrity Chef competition, an event where local business persons cooked up meals to benefit various charities. He also enjoyed playing cards, Scrabble, and working puzzles in his free time. Ricardo loved African art and artifacts and collected many beautiful pieces over the years. He was also interested in African dance and was one of the first men to join the predominantly female dance troupe, Imani. Ricardo was a co-founder of the Wonde African Dance troupe. Preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Richard Wright; brothers Harry, Robert and Flemmon; sisters Sylvia Howard, Ada "Darlene" Kamara, and Anita (Valerie) Coleman; special friend Jemima Askew. Left to cherish his memory are his sisters Evadean Davis, Martha Manns and Marian (Clarence) Richardson; special friends Alvin and Gail Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who loved him dearly.