In 1990, Wilder became the first elected African-American governor in U.S.history. Notably, his election occurred in a state that was once a cornerstoneof the Confederacy and that had once denied Wilder admission to its lawschools.
Wilder graduated from Virginia Union University in 1951. He served in theU.S. army during the Korean War he received the Bronze Star for heroism. Afterthe war, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill to study law but earned his degreeat Howard University Law School in Washington D.C. because Virginia barredblacks from its law schools at that time. A 20-year veteran of Virginiapolitics, Wilder served as a state senator and as lieutenant governor prior tobeing elected governor. His gubernatorial term expired in 1992, and he failedin an effort at re-election.
Since leaving office, Wilder has remained involved in current events byhosting a morning radio talk show in Richmond, Va., and also hosting "The DougWilder Show," a weekly television program that airs on a Washington-area cablestation.
Wilder's appearance is sponsored by the Root-Jessup Public Affairs Council.
