Mothers may age but they definitely do so with love, respect and honor.
Maya Angelou said, “To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.”
Michelle Obama, former First Lady said, “At the end of the day, my most important job is still Mom in Chief.”
Both legends, great role models, describe in various ways, our 2024 Mot-her of the Year, Dr. Candice T. Wright, mother of 10.
While statistics state the ideal American family is two to three children, whether through natural birth, adoption or Invitro fertilization, Dr. Wright has been blessed, with seven boys: six biological sons, a nephew and four girls making the family total children count 11.
The number alone makes her MOTHER SUPREME, especially as she continues to work and helicopter this brilliant brood.
She is “the perfect hurricane” in the words of Angelou; and she views her most important job as that of raising, supporting, inspiring, and developing strong, independent, capable men and women, as Obama articulated.
Born in Gary, Indiana, coming to Milwaukee at ageeleven, Candice attended Milwaukee Public Schools, graduating from Project Stay Alternative High School,as a teenage parent, not the American ideal, accordingto statistics!
“I had great models in my mother and grandmother,“Dr. Wright shared.
“They taught me perseverance, respect, believing inyourself, understanding that hard work is a virtue not acurse; and achievement and expansion is using the giftsGod has given you. Theytaught me never to give up!”
She has exhibited thoseprinciples through her life asstudent, mother, wife, community advocate and business woman.
She received an undergraduate degree from AlvernoCollege, two master’s degrees from Concordia University Wisconsin, a Doctoraldegree from Newburgh College and her most recent degree, a Doctor of Educationin Leadership Innovation andContinuous Improvement from Concordia.
Clearly education is an important goal and an example of growth and development for children Shaun, who just turned 25; Jeremiah, 20 years old; nephew Jashaun,16 years old, Ramard, Jr., 13 years old; Bruce, 11 yearsold; William, 10; seven-year-old Justice Rain; and thefour-year-old triplets, girls Gloria, Grace, and Martha,who have a story all their own.
The triplets spent 118 days in the neo-natal intensive care unit in incubators as they struggled to live. “Challenging times” is a mild description for what the family was called to work and pray through.
They, like their mom and dad, Dr. Ramard Wright, Sr., are the epitome of believing in life over challenge; and the pursuit of happiness is a tangible act of sacrifice coupled with the zeal to live and grow!
So, rounding out the 10 is two-year-old Mariah who cuddles and coos as she reminds the family there is joy to being the “baby” of the family.
Weekends for the family are full of sports, games, recitals, classes, and motor trips. mom Candice said, “the work is in getting ready to go. After we are in the car, it’s game time and family time with constant laughs and reflections. And arrival at our destination becomes the forever experience, always worth going through the motions.”
The children are busy with their activities and with community events where they volunteer; like the Education and Financial Literacy Symposium, to be held on June 17, that the family, WestPoint Financial and Lettenberger Financial are sponsoring as a “pre-Juneteenth” community give-back event. They estimate over 400 people will attend the events.
On June 18, for the third year at the Fondy Food Market, they will host another pre-Juneteenth Day celebration which will include free food, entertainment, education and positive community fellowship.
Dad, Dr. Ramard Wright, is a caring father who works hand-in-hand with his bride as they jointly determine family goals, participations and values they want to impart.
The values they encourage are the same that has served them well. They believe it’s the only way, today!
“Admittedly, I am different from my mother and grandmother. I had far more freedom than I permit my children to have, today. But it is a different world and parents must be more hands-on; not to dictate their lives but to help them make better choices, choices grounded upon positive, healthy values that will lead them to the successes they say they want to achieve.”
Asked if she will have breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day morning,” Our ‘Mother of the Year’ exclaimed, “Yes, yes!
“They (the children) love bringing me breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day. I thoroughly enjoy their desire to please me, to make me happy!”
Laughing, she continued, “And as soon as they leave the room, I’m racing to the kitchen to clear the total mess they’ve made. But that, too, is a part of being Mom.
“I love being a Mom!,” Dr. Wright continued. “I’m thankful for each of my children. Each is uniquely a gift from God; and I am convinced that I was destined and equipped to have a large, beautiful family.
“My education and life experiences uniquely prepare me to help guide my family and align with needs in the community through my business and various affiliations. I salute my wonderful husband and partner for his guidance and support on this journey.
“I salute the women who have helped to make me who I am today: my grandmother, my mother, my sisters, my friends who have become family, my AKA sisters and all the women that were so I could be!”
We salute and applaud you Dr. Candice T. Wright. We thank you for your treasured insights. Some people talk about motherhood…you live and share your experiences as a devoted mother, nurturer, supporter, mentor, trusted confidante and community partner. Milwaukee is better because of you! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! We celebrate every mother. We exist because of you. We honor life, your love, your guidance!
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