Thelma Wright with Boyd and Lucinda

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Comment by The Streets Don't Love You Back on October 8, 2013 at 7:51pm

Thelma Wright was legendary as reputedly the most dangerously powerful Black woman in Philadelphia. As the wife of Jackie Wright, a top heroin dealer in the city, she was intricately connected with the Black Mafia, a gang that operated Philly's drug trade throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s. Once widowed, and left as the young mother of a toddler son, she discreetly took over his business, running a bi-coastal drug empire, unbeknownst to family and friends around her. Recognized by her distinguished, sparkling green eyes, Wright ruled the streets with incredible savvy and disarming charm. Yet, very few knew the real sadness and confusion in her heavy heart.

While "With Eyes From Both Sides -- Living My Life In and Out of the Game," reveals Wright's more intimate memories and angst as a women torn between two worlds, "Gangsters: America's Most Evil" is a documentary styled presentation connecting the details of her criminal enterprise. During the show, Wright, alongside family, friends and law enforcement experts lend credence to her rule over a criminal enterprise normally dominated by men.

Wright's street reign was notorious. She grossed top dollars and lavishly lived the high life. Championship fights via private jets, European shopping sprees, customized Mercedes Benz cars, cruises to the Bahamas and even speed boating in Miami were mere footnotes in a lifestyle many envied. But everything that glitters is not gold and Wright is open and honest when revealing the dark side.