before she started her work, she lived in louisiana. she was born in new orleans. she moved at a young age. her mother died when she was five years old. wright was raised by her aunts and other relatives. they were devoted catholics. they walked miles to church from their home. when wright grew up, she worked many different jobs. she had a husband and 12 children. unfortunately, her husband was cruel to her. so, wright left louisiana and moved to california. her children came to california with her.