Damon Wright is a firearms and explosives services specialist in the Office of Enforcement Programs and Services. He’s been with ATF for nine years and previously worked as a legal instruments examiner. Wright joined ATF to make a positive difference while serving his community. The flexibility that comes with his job allows him the time to volunteer, speak with youth on issues affecting their lives and be an overall service to those in need.

Wright credits church and education as major influences on his life. He sees the connection that education has played in the major contributions that Black people have made in history. It is also a major emphasis for his family. He’s proud of the fact that all his parents’ children and grandchildren either have college degrees, trade degrees or are attending college now to obtain one. He’s also a current member of his local county school board and a small business owner.

Equality Through Diversity

Wright sees diversity in law enforcement as a way to decrease racial stereotypes of Black people as criminals and help push for equitable treatment under the law. It can also help to decrease the targeting of marginalized communities. He believes people of different backgrounds should be involved in the creation of policies and programs to help recognize certain biases that may be otherwise overlooked and to bring attention to decisions that could cause unnecessary harm to communities of color.

He would like to see a consistent recruitment effort in Black communities as well. This starts with having better outreach programs. He also believes that bringing more attention on law enforcement accountability would build trust in those same communities. He encourages people in the Black community to look into careers in law enforcement. Wright lives by the saying, “Be the change you want to see.”

Black History Month

Wright views Black History Month as another opportunity to highlight the contributions Black people have made to this country. Wright acknowledges, “It’s a chance to share how our history shapes who we are as a people.” This is why he advocates for Black history being American history and having it integrated more into daily life.