The
Honorable Lawrence Douglas Wilder of Virginia is assured a prominent place in
American history as the first African-American elected governor of a state. As
an effective leader, however, he is not one to rest on his laurels when he has
objectives to achieve.
Research findings from the
print and electronic media show Virginia's governor to be a gracious and sincere
man, deeply concerned about the unraveling of our social and economic fabrics
and our inability to repair them. Governor Wilder's mission is embodied in his
vision of how government should work to enable everyone to participate fully
in the democratic process, and to forge past lessons and present realities into
tools that ensure our future.
This strong man was born
in Richmond. His parents named him in honor of the poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar
and the legendary Frederick Douglass. Marked at birth for greatness, Governor
Wilder graduated from Virginia Union University and Howard University School
of Law. He was a founding partner of the law firm of Wilder, Gregory and Martin.
Governor Wilder was elected
to the state senate in 1969 and served there until 1985, when he was elected
lieutenant governor in a campaign that brought him international recognition.
More than a hundred years
ago, President Abraham Lincoln called Frederick Douglass, "One of the most meritorious
men in America." Today it is fitting and hopeful that President Lincoln's words
apply to a Virginian named L. Douglas Wilder.
