|
L. Douglas Wilder
Lawrence Douglas Wilder was born on January 17, 1931, in Richmond, Virginia. The grandson of slaves, he was
named after abolitionist-orator Frederick Douglass and poet Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Wilder attended Richmond's racially segregated public schools—George Mason Elementary and
Armstrong High School. In 1951, he graduated from Virginia Union University with a degree in
chemistry. He served in the army during the Korean War, during which he won the Bronze Star
for heroism in combat. After the war, Wilder returned to Richmond and worked as a chemist in
the state medical examiner's office. Using the benefits provided under the G.I. Bill of Rights, he
studied law at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He received his degree in 1959 and after
passing the bar in Virginia established his own law firm, Wilder, Gregory, and Associates.
In 1969, Wilder entered politics, running in a special election for the Virginia state senate. He won
and became the first African American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction. Wilder
spent ten years in the General Assembly and was recognized as one of its most effective legislators.
In 1985, Wilder was elected lieutenant governor. Four years later, he ran for statewide office again,
and, on January 13, 1990, L. Douglas Wilder became Virginia's sixty-sixth governor. He was the
first elected African American governor in United States history. During his administration, Wilder
was praised for his sound fiscal management and his ability to balance the state budget during
difficult economic times. He sponsored new construction projects at many of Virginia's colleges
and universities, mental health facilities, and state parks.
After promoting the idea of a popularly elected mayor for Richmond, Wilder was overwhelmingly
elected to the post in November 2004.
Image rights owned by the Virginia Historical Society. Do not use without permission. Rights and reproductions
|
