Uncovering Dr. Leon Wright

Episode #205: In a world where representation and diversity are more critical than ever, Aishah Shahidah Simmons unveils the little known story of Dr. Leon Wright, a remarkable African-American professor who served as the US Cultural Attaché in Rangoon from 1955-57, and who was authorized to teach meditation by the great meditation master, Sayagyi U Ba Khin.

Aishah's own quest for representation within meditation traditions dovetailed perfectly with her discovery of Wright, a hidden gem in the history of vipassana meditation. His story is one of resilience, achievement, and a testament to the possibility of breaking barriers in a deeply segregated era. Wright's journey from orphanhood to becoming a distinguished professor and diplomat is nothing short of inspiring, and his work with meditation, spirituality and healing at a time in American culture when none of these were commonplace makes his story all the more unique and compelling.

Aishah notes how Wright’s accomplishments predate the Civil Rights movement, challenging the notion of who could excel in a world divided by racial prejudice. And she wonders why Wright’s unique and amazing story is so little known today.. 

Her journey to discover and share this hidden legacy has been a deeply personal and spiritual experience. “I feel like Reverend Dr. Wright is very much with me, and I feel very close to his spirit,” Aishah says in closing. “I have a lot of gratitude for Reverend Dr. Leon Wright, and for Sayagyi U Ba Khin, just tremendous gratitude in terms of my practice, and thinking about all of the all the ways that he's influenced me. I feel like I'm a part of that cycle or sphere of energy that came from U Ba Khin, which obviously came from people who proceed from U Ba Khin as well.”