John T. Wright was a trailblazing figure in the civic and political life of Englewood, New Jersey, during the mid-twentieth century. He is best remembered as the first Black councilman in Englewood—and in all of Bergen County—marking a major milestone in the region’s history and a significant step toward broader political representation.

Born in the early 1920s, Wright moved to Englewood as a child and was educated in the city’s public schools. He later served in the military and continued his education at institutions including Howard University. His early experiences grounded him in both discipline and community awareness, shaping his later work in public service.

Before entering politics, Wright worked in the taxicab industry and became a local businessman. He later owned and operated the Black and White Taxi Service on Englewood Avenue, establishing himself as both an entrepreneur and a familiar presence in the community. His work connected him directly to the daily lives and concerns of Englewood residents.

In 1953, Wright ran as a Democratic candidate for the Englewood City Council representing the Fourth Ward. His victory was widely regarded as a political upset and carried historic significance. At just 27 years old, he became the first Black municipal official in Bergen County. His election also reflected a growing political engagement among Black residents, as he defeated another Black candidate from the opposing party.

As a councilman, Wright focused strongly on housing conditions and urban inequality, particularly in the Fourth Ward. He was an outspoken advocate for addressing substandard housing and pushed for meaningful slum clearance and the development of affordable housing. Wright argued that poor housing conditions were not only harmful to residents but also detrimental to the city as a whole, both economically and socially.

He also took an active role in issues related to policing and civic accountability. In one notable instance, Wright called for an official investigation into an incident involving himself and the police, emphasizing the need for fairness, transparency, and public trust in government institutions.

Wright was reelected to a second term and continued serving through the late 1950s into the early 1960s. Beyond his elected role, he remained deeply involved in community life, participating in civic organizations, religious institutions, and charitable efforts. His leadership reflected a broader commitment to improving conditions for Englewood residents both inside and outside of government.

John T. Wright died at a relatively young age, but his impact on Englewood endures. As a pioneer in local politics, he helped break racial barriers and brought sustained attention to issues of housing, equity, and representation. His legacy remains an important part of Englewood’s history and the ongoing story of civil rights and community leadership in Bergen County.

Bergen Evening Record. “John T. Wright Elected to Englewood Council.” November 9, 1952.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “Wright Asks Probe of Incident Leading to Charge Against Him.” January 3, 1953.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “Measure Boosting Salaries Introduced by Councilmen.” January 3, 1953.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “The Man Behind the Reins: Ben Green Finds Election Triumph Breeds Problems.” December 5, 1953.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “Mental Health Center at Bergen Pines.” October 7, 1955.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “The Slum Starts Something.” October 7, 1955.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “Slum Riddance Work Pledged by Democrats.” October 5, 1955.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “Wright Starts Crusade to Rid City of Slums.” October 1, 1952.

The Herald-News (Passaic, NJ). “Motorist Pays Total of $103.” July 5, 1955.

Baltimore Afro-American. “John T. Wright Reelected to Englewood Council.” November 12, 1955.

Washington Afro-American. “John T. Wright Reelected to Englewood Council.” November 12, 1955.

The Record (Hackensack, NJ). “John T. Wright, 50, First Black Councilman in Bergen, Dies.” November 21, 1976.