Carolyn Wright (Chief Justice) facts for kids

Carolyn Wright-Sanders (born September 27, 1946) is an American lawyer and a former judge. She was the Chief Justice of the Fifth Court of Appeals of Texas. She held this important role from November 17, 2009, until December 31, 2018.

Early Life and Education

Carolyn Wright was born in Houston, Texas. Her parents were Adell Willis Wright and Alvora Christin Lightfoot. Because her father was in the military, her family moved often. She lived in many places across the United States and even in Japan during her childhood.

After finishing high school, she went to Strayer University. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the District of Columbia Teachers College. Later, she received her law degree, called a Juris Doctor (J.D.), from Howard University. Her father encouraged her to study law. Howard University School of Law later gave her a special award for being a distinguished former student.

Career as a Judge

After law school, Carolyn Wright returned to Texas. She started her own law firm there. In 1983, she became an associate judge in family law courts. Two years later, she ran for a family district judge position as a Republican. When she won, she made history. She became the first African-American woman in Dallas to win a county-wide election.

In 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed her to the Fifth Court of Appeals. She served as an associate justice there. When Chief Justice Linda Thomas left her position in 2009, Governor Rick Perry chose Wright to take her place.

On January 4, 2010, many supporters and legal professionals attended her swearing-in ceremony. She became the first African American to be chief justice of any intermediate appeals court in Texas. As Chief Justice, she led 12 other judges. This court is one of the largest and busiest in Texas and the United States.

Awards and Recognition

Carolyn Wright has received many awards for her work. These include the National Association of Women Lawyers’ Leadership Award. She also received an award from the American Bar Association Business Section. This award recognized her contributions to women and her skill in law.

She was also given the Yellow Rose of Texas Award. This award is for people who make important contributions to their community. Governor Clements appointed her to the Governor's Commission for Women. Governor Rick Perry also honored her by putting her into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame. This was to recognize her 30 years of public service as a judge.

Personal Life

Carolyn Wright is married to James Sanders.