Matthews W. Wright

Matthews W. Wright, son of the late James Charles Wright and Nellie Matthews Wright, was born at Provident Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 15, 1946. He was a dedicated community leader, educator, visionary consultant, and father. Mr. Wright passed away on February 19, 2026. He was 79 years old. Matthews attended Public School #103 and Booker T. Washington Junior High School and was a member of the class of 1964 at Frederick Douglass High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science and two master's degrees, one in Special Education and the other in Criminal Justice, from Coppin State College, now Coppin State University. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP & SERVICE Matthews, affectionately known as Billy, led a life defined by a profound commitment to his community and a tireless drive to empower others. As the President and founder of Precisely Wright! and Associates, a minority consulting firm established in 1998, he provided strategic training and development to organizations across the United States and Europe. His work focused on "Values Clarification," community diversity, and capacity building, principles he believed were essential to a purposeful and meaningful life. Matthews' impact on Baltimore was extensive. He served as a Commissioner on the Baltimore Planning Commission from 2002 to 2008, where he helped shape the city's physical and master planning. From 1990 to 1998, he was the Director of Community Services & Grants for the Associated Black Charities (ABC). During that time, he managed millions in grant awards and hosted the community-focused radio show "First Up!" on WLIF/WJFK FM. HEART OF AN EDUCATOR Education was the cornerstone of Matthews' career. His time at Coppin was legendary. In 1968, as a student government officer, he helped lead a successful four-week campus boycott that challenged inequities in state funding for HBCUs, securing the institution's future. Matthews spent decades fostering others' growth. During his career, he served as an Adjunct Instructor at UMBC, teaching capstone courses in management and administration. He also served as a Program Officer for the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education, overseeing $24M in federal grants for public charter schools. Matthews' career also included a stint as a training Specialist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (Baltimore Office) and as a Counselor at Bowie State University, where he assisted students in the 'Opportunities Unlimited' program. He began his career as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore City. FELLOWSHIP & FAMILY A proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Matthews embodied the fraternity's principles of brotherhood and service for over 50 years. He was an active student on campus and a member of the first line of Coppin's Delta Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. While at Coppin, he met his late wife, Beverly Scriber. The couple married on May 21, 1977, and together raised two children, Aisha and Jason. He was a deep conversationalist with a great sense of humor and a positive outlook on life. Matthews knew no strangers and engaged in a way that left a lasting, meaningful impression. He enjoyed traveling, golfing, baking bread, social justice, hand dancing, learning, writing, and fellowshipping with friends and his family. He believed we were spirits living a human experience. He leaves to mourn: daughter Aisha Wright-Burke (Jenero Burke) of Sandy Springs, Georgia; son, Jason Wright (partner Lora Lee), Harrison, New Jersey; nieces Michelle Washington, Wanda Williams, Sharon Parker, Ryan Case (partner Sean Hanley); nephews, Vernon Dorsey (Arlene), Edward Parker, Cornell Parker (Toni), Webster Phillips, III, Christian Case and Jeremy Case, all of Baltimore; sisters-in-law, Clarice Phillips, Elizabeth Case (Raymund); as well as a host of loving grand nephews, grand nieces, relatives and loving friends.

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Matthews W. Wright

October 15, 1946 - February 19, 2026