Mary Ann Wright

Mary Ann Wright, also known as "Mother Wright" helped feed thousands of individuals in Oakland. She was born and raised in Louisiana, and moved to Oakland in 1950 to get away from her husband. Though struggling to get by herself she claimed to have received a message from God and in 1980 began feeding the poor. At first she used her own social security income to fund one meal at a time, serving the food in Jefferson Park (10th and Jefferson in Oakland). Over time she enlisted the help of other community members and created the Mother Mary Ann Wright Foundation. The foundation was able to feed around 450 individuals a day.

The foundation continues to feed and clothes those in need to this day both locally and has also sent bulk food and clothing overseas.