Harold Wright is an entrepreneur-scholar-activist. In addition to being an electrical contractor, he finds time to advocate for social change and to write about his journey.
HAROLD WRIGHT has been in the electrical business since 1957. Born in New York City and educated in Virginia, the former Marine returned to New York to complete his electrical apprenticeship training before coming to Seattle. He has worked on industrial, commercial, and residential projects, both public and private, for more than 38 years, starting Wright, Inc., Electrical Contractors in 1972.
Active in community organizations such as the Seattle Model City’s Economic Task force, United Construction Workers, Central Contractors Association, Community Coalition for Contracts and Jobs, and the Black Builders Association, he has spent much of his life in Seattle fighting against wrongs that injure African American businesses and labor in the building construction industry.
Harold has written four books:Radiant, a memoir, Light Rail in the Valley, Pain Inflicted By A Nation,and newly releasedReconstruction.
As a long-time friend, over 40 years I’ve watched as Harold maneuvered his small business, Wright Electric, through an industry where small MBE contractors struggle to survive. His tenacity, honesty, and courage to consistently speak the truth on behalf of racial and economic justice have made Harold Wright a man who is deeply respected in our community.
Michael Woo Community Organizer and former member of UCWA