Fielding L. Wright
Early Life and Education
Fielding Lewis Wright was born on May 16, 1895, in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. He was the son of Thomas Edward Wright and Annie Wright. Wright's early life was deeply rooted in the agrarian culture of the Mississippi Delta, a region known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity. This environment played a significant role in shaping his views on economic and social issues.
Wright attended local schools in Rolling Fork before enrolling at the University of Alabama. He later transferred to Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he completed his undergraduate studies. His education was interrupted by World War I, during which he served in the United States Army. After the war, Wright returned to Mississippi and pursued a career in law, earning his law degree from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1922.
Political Career
Early Political Involvement
Wright's political career began in the Mississippi House of Representatives, where he served from 1928 to 1932. During his tenure, he was known for his advocacy of states' rights and his opposition to federal intervention in state affairs. Wright's political philosophy was heavily influenced by the Jim Crow era, which dominated the Southern United States during this period.
Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi
In 1943, Wright was elected as the Lieutenant Governor of Mississippi, serving under Governor Thomas L. Bailey. As lieutenant governor, Wright presided over the Mississippi Senate and was instrumental in promoting legislation that supported the state's agricultural economy. His tenure was marked by efforts to improve infrastructure and education in rural areas, although his policies often reflected the segregationist attitudes prevalent in the South at the time.
Governor of Mississippi
Wright ascended to the governorship in 1946 following the death of Governor Bailey. He was subsequently elected to a full term in 1947. As governor, Wright continued to advocate for states' rights and was a vocal opponent of federal civil rights initiatives. His administration focused on maintaining segregation and resisting desegregation efforts mandated by the federal government.
Dixiecrat Movement
Wright's most notable political involvement was with the Dixiecrat movement, a segregationist faction of the Democratic Party that emerged in the late 1940s. The Dixiecrats, formally known as the States' Rights Democratic Party, were formed in response to the Democratic Party's increasing support for civil rights legislation.
In 1948, Wright was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate on the Dixiecrat ticket, alongside presidential candidate Strom Thurmond. The Dixiecrats campaigned on a platform of maintaining racial segregation and opposing federal intervention in state affairs. Although the Dixiecrat ticket did not win the election, it succeeded in carrying four Southern states, highlighting the deep regional divisions over civil rights.
Legacy and Impact
Fielding L. Wright's political career is often associated with his staunch defense of segregation and states' rights. His involvement with the Dixiecrat movement underscored the resistance to civil rights reforms in the South during the mid-20th century. While his policies and rhetoric were controversial, they reflected the prevailing attitudes of many white Southerners during this period.
Wright's legacy is complex, as he is remembered both for his contributions to Mississippi's infrastructure and education and for his opposition to racial equality. His tenure as governor and his role in the Dixiecrat movement remain subjects of study for historians examining the political and social dynamics of the American South in the 20th century.
Personal Life
Fielding L. Wright married Nan Kelly in 1920, and the couple had two children. Wright was known for his deep commitment to his family and his community. He was an active member of the Methodist Church and participated in various civic organizations throughout his life. Wright passed away on May 4, 1956, in Jackson, Mississippi, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be analyzed and debated by historians.