Thaddeus Wright Honors Delores McCain’s Lasting Impact

Thaddeus Wright reflects on the profound mentorship of Delores McCain, a community advocate and journalist for the Austin Weekly News, who passed away shortly after presenting him with the Third Unitarian Church Scholarship in 2010. Wright attributes much of his personal and professional growth to McCain’s support, which he continues to carry with him years later.

In a heartfelt letter to the editor, Wright shared how McCain’s guidance helped him navigate the challenges of college life. “First and foremost, when I first met Ms. McCain, she was very calm. She had a loving spirit that she shared with others,” he wrote. The scholarship opened doors for Wright, who left Chicago at the age of 18 to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in English at Jackson State University. He later obtained an MBA from Belhaven University.

Wright now serves as a program manager for Community Engagement and Social Determinants of Health at the Southside Healthy Community Organization, where he focuses on connecting communities with essential health and social resources. His early career included a role as a program coordinator for Chicago Public Schools, where he applied the lessons learned from McCain.

McCain’s Influence on Young Lives

Wright credits McCain with instilling a sense of resilience that proved crucial during his time at university. He recalled the numerous moments when he contemplated leaving school due to homesickness and personal challenges. “There were plenty of times I wanted to come home because of the shared community bathrooms, roommate issues, or homesickness,” he said. “I will always remember Delores McCain, who looked at me at Third Unitarian Church and told me that if Jackson State gave me that scholarship, I should go and get my education.”

In his reflections, Wright emphasized McCain’s deep connection to the Austin community, noting her extensive involvement in various local initiatives. “I’ve heard from several other people that she was active in multiple spaces, even outside of the Austin area, covering special events and media stories. In particular, she was involved in the church community,” he stated. This engagement allowed her to forge meaningful relationships within the community, as she was committed to uplifting those around her.

Wright attributes a crucial lesson to McCain that continues to guide him: “Number one, calm down. That nervousness you have is not of God. And secondly, you’ve got this opportunity, so go for it. Shoot for it. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Someone could tell you no and that’s gold.”

A Legacy of Love and Support

As Wright looks back on his journey, he feels a deep sense of gratitude for McCain’s influence. He recalls the emotional moment when she presented him with the scholarship in August 2010, just weeks before her passing at the end of September. This experience has shaped his identity and mission as a community leader.

“Meeting her in that very moment taught me to look that storm directly in the eye and go forward,” Wright reflected. He hopes others will embody the same passion and dedication that McCain displayed. “Let’s be a little more calm. Let’s show each other grace,” he urged.

Through his work and continued advocacy, Thaddeus Wright honors Delores McCain’s legacy, ensuring her spirit of mentorship and community engagement persists in the lives of those she touched.