About the Author

El Wright is a lifelong activist, organizer, and pioneer whose work is deeply rooted in the fight for justice and equity. Born and raised in the Northeast, her commitment to civil rights began in her youth as a member of the NAACP youth branch. As a teenager, she co-founded her school's first Black student newspaper and organized demonstrations during the pivotal struggles of the 1960s. Her resolve was forged in fire when, during college, she survived a violent, racially charged hit-and-run attack—an injustice compounded by a media smear and a failed legal system. Undeterred, she continued her activism, leading a student occupation that established her college's first Black Women's Dormitory. After moving to Newark, she immersed herself in the city's revitalization and national liberation movements. When federal regulations opened new doors, El seized the opportunity to shatter barriers in the railroad industry, building a distinguished 25-year career as a freight brakeman. Her life's journey—from the front lines of protest to breaking glass ceilings in a male-dominated field—is a testament to her unwavering belief in dignity, access, and collective action. She remains an active and vital voice in her community.