Meet Aallyah Wright | Journalist, Playwright, and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aallyah Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aallyah, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?

I’ve always been told to just wait and be patient and good things will come to you. While I do agree, partially, with this statement, it leaves out hard work and humility. All of my accomplishments along with the connections I’ve made, have come from hard work. Whether it was stopping by a community meeting on a Saturday, tutoring youth after work, or waking up a bit early to complete tasks, I always put in more work than what is expected of me. I also treat everyone the same, despite status or titles.

One last thing I’d like to mention is that some people live by the motto of “I don’t get tired,” meaning they work so hard they eliminate rest. I refuse to live by that code. The most successful people I’ve met have advised me to prioritize rest, which is important to your work, health and mental well-being. You can’t make change in the world, or be of service to anyone, if you don’t make time for rest. It’s one of the keys to longevity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a full-time journalist, part-time artist, forever a storyteller. After graduating from Delta State University in 2016, I launched full steam ahead into my journalism career. I started out as an education reporter covering my home region of the Mississippi Delta. I’ve grown from that position to a national reporter covering issues affecting Black people in rural America. This job allows me to travel all across the country and hear directly from Black folks affected by issues ranging from food insecurity to poverty to health care and land loss.

While I have won awards over the years for my reporting and artistic projects, I am most proud of the I’ve built relationships with people who trust me enough to tell their stories. Whether it’s writing a play about Mississippi civil rights leaders like Vera Mae Pigee or Andrew Hawkins or reporting on the constant attempts by government and private companies to seize Black land, I am always centering these stories from the perspective of those affected by these issues the most.

This work is not easy. In the ever-changing world of social media, it is even more pressing to push back against misconceptions, misinformation, and report with context and nuance. Another challenge is always reaching the people who need the information the most. But, also, being a Black person covering Black issues.

If there’s anything I want people to remember me by it’s that I’m a Black woman from Clarksdale, Mississippi, an overlooked areas. It’s part of my identity — who I am and where I come from — that is my strength and my superpower. It’s this superpower that allows me to bring empathy and care to my work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend is from Mississippi, and she’s been to Clarksdale many times. Although I no longer live in Mississippi, If I had to show her, or someone the area, I’d take them on a tour of the entire Clarksdale. We’d stop by the downtown area and eat at local restaurants. We’d go by some of the local food trucks and eat BBQ and other local cuisines. We’d stop by Red’s — one of the only juke joints left in the area. Probably in the country, but don’t quote me on that. We’d also make the trek throughout the Delta region and stop by historic places like Mound Bayou. We’d made the nearly three hour drive to the state’s capital city Jackson where the two Mississippi museums are, which are steeped in history and culture.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I’d like to thank that has helped nurture, love, care and teach me along my journey. If I named everyone, I’d run out of space, time — and likely forget someone. Beyond my parents, siblings, and immediate family and friends, I’d like to thank my former teachers, mentors, mentees, and all those whose lives have inspired me to become a better version of myself.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aallyahwright/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aallyahwright/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aallyahpatrice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journalistaallyah/