Charles H. Wright facts for kids

Charles Howard Wright (born September 20, 1918 – died March 7, 2002) was a doctor from Detroit. He is famous for starting the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This museum celebrates the history and culture of African Americans.

Early Life and Education

Charles H. Wright was born on September 18, 1918, in Dothan, Alabama. He finished high school in 1935. He then went to Alabama State College, which is now called Alabama State University. He graduated from there in 1939.

After college, he went to Meharry Medical College to study medicine. He became a doctor in 1943. Dr. Wright wanted to specialize in helping women with pregnancy and childbirth. This field is called Obstetrics and Gynecology.

At first, he couldn't find a spot in that program. So, he trained in pathology instead. He did this training at Harlem Hospital in New York City and in Cleveland, Ohio.

From 1946 to 1950, Dr. Wright worked as a general doctor in Detroit. Later, he got a chance to train in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Harlem Hospital. He went back to New York and finished his training in 1953.

Medical Career in Detroit

When Dr. Wright returned to Detroit, he started working at Hutzel Women's Hospital. This hospital focused on women's health. In 1955, he became a certified surgeon and a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

He worked as a senior doctor at Hutzel Hospital until he retired in 1986. He also worked at Harper-Grace Hospital and Sinai Hospital. Dr. Wright was also a professor at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He taught other doctors about women's health.

Public Service and the Museum

Dr. Wright was very involved in helping his community. In 1960, he helped raise money for medical training for African people in the United States. He also traveled to West Africa in 1964 and 1965 to study health issues.

In 1965, he worked as a doctor during civil rights marches in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He also wrote books, including two about the famous singer and activist Paul Robeson.

Dr. Wright had a big dream: to create a museum about African American history. In 1965, he opened the International Afro-American Museum. It was located on West Grand Boulevard. The next year, he created a traveling exhibit to share history across the state.

In 1978, the city of Detroit gave the museum land in Midtown. Construction for a new museum building started in 1985. The museum was then renamed the Museum of African American History. A much larger museum opened in 1997. In 1998, the museum was renamed the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. This was done to honor Dr. Wright for his amazing work.

Personal Life

Dr. Wright married Louise Lovett in 1950. She was a librarian from Chicago. They had two daughters, Stephanie Wright Griggs and Carla Wright. The library at the Charles H. Wright Museum is named the Louise Lovett Library. It honors Louise Wright for her help in creating it. Louise Lovett Wright passed away in 1985.

In 1989, Dr. Wright married Roberta Hughes. She was an educator, lawyer, and author who loved working with children.