A Great American
L. Douglas Wilder
First African American Governor 1990-1994
Born:
January 17, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia.Education:
Graduated from Armstrong High School in 1947 in Richmond, Virginia and earned a degree in chemistry in 1951 from Virginia Union University. Graduated from Howard University Law School in 1959.Occupation:
Lawyer, real estate investor, public official, educator, and soldier.Religion:
Family Life:
Born in Depression-era Richmond in the midst of segregation. His father was the son of slaves and his mother was born to freed blacks in Charles City County. Wilder hoped to become a dental surgeon. He was drafted into the Army in 1952 and served as an infantryman in the Korean War. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and discharged in 1953.Political Career:
Served 16 years in the Virginia Senate from 1970-86. Became Lieutenant Governor of Virginia in 1986 before elected Virginia’s Governor 1990-1994 as the United States' first African American elected to office of governor. Following his term as governor, he continues to host a radio talk show, commenting on political events.Why is this person remembered?
L Douglas Wilder was the first African American elected as Governor of any state. As governor he balanced the state budget during a recession without raising taxes or endangering state funds. Is currently a professor at the Center for Public Policy of Virginia Commonwealth University. Sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1991 but failed to raise sufficient funds to continue his campaign.Appearance:
Average size man, small frame, and short white hair, with a mustache and a big smile.Famous Words:
Campaigning in towns where statutes pay homage to Virginia's heritage as leader of the Confederacy, Wilder said, "The past is a reminder of what was, not what is."Died:
Still AliveBuried:
Not