VCU news

By David Slipher
L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Celebrating a historic election and a notable birthday, state lawmakers and the larger community honored former Virginia Gov. L. Douglas Wilder on Jan. 17, citing the enduring legacy of his groundbreaking career in politics and civic affairs.

At the state Capitol, the General Assembly introduced two resolutions commemorating Wilder’s election, 40 years ago in 1985, as Virginia’s lieutenant governor. Four years later, state voters made him the country’s first elected African American governor.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for serving the people of the commonwealth. I recognize the need for elected officials to connect with the people,” said Wilder, who also marked his 94th birthday that day. “I gained a great deal of inspiration and motivation when I watched the proceedings in the House of Delegates and Senate during the center-aisle presentations. Together, we can deliver that which is best for the people of Virginia.”

Lawmakers from both parties praised how Wilder’s achievements transformed what could be possible in state and national politics. Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, state Sens. Lamont Bagby and Ryan McDougle, Dels. Betsy Carr and Luke Torian, and House Speaker Don Scott addressed the floor during the Capitol ceremony.

“It’s clear that Governor Wilder’s legacy not only includes astonishing firsts but is also characterized by timeless and respected relevance,” said Susan Gooden, Ph.D., dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

For Wilder, it was a whirlwind birthday that included a celebration at his alma mater, Virginia Union University. The event featured the unveiling of the Wilder Digital Library and Collection, a digital repository highlighting his civic, military and political career from the late 1950s through 2009. The multimedia collection includes papers; photographs and negatives; audio cassettes and videotapes; awards; and memorabilia.

“I want to thank those who came to share with me in my 94th birthday,” Wilder said. “It coincides with the birthday of many others, like Muhammad Ali and James Earl Jones, as well as coming two days after the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. This is really about the opportunities afforded to us by the people. It demonstrates that you don’t stop. I won’t stop at 94, and I’ll continue to be a voice in representation of and support for all Virginians.”

The Wilder Digital Library and Collection is part of a larger project representing a collaboration between the Wilder School and VUU. The project was supported by a three-year appropriation from the General Assembly to support RISE – the Wilder School’s Research Institute for Social Equity.

With the launch of the Wilder Digital Library and Collection, “his voluminous contributions are accessible worldwide so that current and future generations can learn from his unparalleled and visionary leadership,” said Gooden, who added that Wilder’s birthday “is more than a celebration of years.”

”It’s a reflection on an exceptional life that redefined the possibilities of public service,” she said. “The General Assembly resolutions honoring him in the House and Senate speak to a career that shattered barriers and set new standards for leadership for the commonwealth of Virginia, the nation and the world.”

Wilder, a distinguished professor at the VCU school that bears his name, built a public service career spanning more than 70 years. As the 66th governor of Virginia, serving from 1990 to 1994, he was commended for his fiscal management and balancing the state budget during difficult economic times. Financial World magazine ranked Virginia as the best-managed state in the U.S. for two consecutive years during his administration.

Wilder previously served as lieutenant governor from 1986 to 1990 and as a Virginia state senator from 1969 to 1985. For eight years, he persisted in promoting legislation to declare an official state holiday for King. Wilder also was a driving force in appointing Black judges and facilitating gender diversity in state jobs. 

As an army sergeant, Wilder earned the Bronze Star for heroism in ground combat in Korea. Amid the education barriers of segregation, he graduated from Howard University Law School after earning an undergraduate degree in chemistry from VUU. He is a lifelong proponent of historically Black colleges and universities.

Wilder remains active in local politics. He regularly releases posts on his website, Wilder Visions, exploring and engaging in key issues affecting Virginians. He frequently conducts radio and video interviews with the media.

Wilder remains active in the classroom, too, speaking with VCU students and sharing his lived experiences of the need for authentic, people-first leadership. He hosts the annual Wilder Symposium, most recently presenting “Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People.”

At 94, Wilder said, he embraces his ongoing work to inspire students to engage in public service by “demanding what is right and criticizing what is wrong.”