Josephine Wright, Famed Hilton Head Resident Who Fought Against Developers To Save Home, Passes Away At 94

Josephine Wright, known for her fight against developers who tried to seize her home, has died at 94 years old.

Josephine Wright, a Hilton Head Island resident, known for her fight against developers to save her South Carolina home, has died at the age of 94.

The mother of seven passed away on Jan. 7, in her Hilton Head home. The Associated Press noted that the family did not provide information on the cause of death.

Wright’s battle with developers garnered the support of several celebrities who wanted to help her keep her home.

As previously mentioned by BLACK ENTERPRISE, actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry intervened to help Wright fight against the developers who wanted to seize her property, leading him to build her a new home. At the time, the woman refused an offer for Bailey Point Investment Group to purchase her property, which resulted in her being met with hostility and being harassed.

According to The Associated Press, Perry remembered the matriarch with a heartfelt message on Instagram. “You have run your race and fought an incredible fight!” Perry wrote in an Instagram post. “Journey well my dear lady. You have inspired me.” Wright’s granddaughter, Charise Graves, said the Hilton Head home was a place she remembers visiting as a teenager. The home was a sanctuary for the large family, where four children, 40 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren remain.

A statement made by Wright’s family described the legacy as a “pillar of strength, wisdom, and commitment to justice” they will hold dear to their hearts.

It was approximately 30 years ago when Wright and her husband left New York and moved to the Gullah neighborhood in Jonesville, South Carolina. The land was named after a Black Civil War veteran who escaped slavery and bought the land, according to the outlet.

Online court records reveal a third party will intervene to resolve the case. According to the family public relations representative, Altimese Nichole, there has been discussion of a settlement, but this remains ongoing.