1989: Wilder's Campaign
Explore the groundbreaking 1989 campaign of Douglas Wilder, who became the first Black governor of a U.S. state. This exhibit examines Wilder's strategic journey through Virginia's predominantly white and conservative Shenandoah Valley. Despite facing an uphill battle in a state with an 85% white electorate, Wilder's commitment to law and order and fiscal responsibility propelled him to victory. Learn how his historic achievement reshaped the political landscape of Virginia and the nation.
1989: Wilder's Campaign
Newspaper clipping on the potential first elected black governor, L. Douglas Wilder.
This was a new article reported by Julia M. Klein under the headline of the United States seeking to make history in Virginia by electing its first Black governor in Lieutenant Governor Douglas Lawrence Wilder. The report indicated 600 people to see Wilder as the democratic candidate was welcomed in predominantly Republican Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. He faced a strong battle to make history as the first black US governor in a confederate state where over 85% of the electorate are White and moderate-to-conservative. Wilder’s strategic message was commitment to law and order and fiscal responsibility.
Newspaper clipping on the status of the election. Hypotheticals on the chance of Wilder winning the election.
This photograph features a newspaper clipping among many that includes information regarding Lieutenant Governor Wilder's chance of winning the election as Governor of Virginia. There was a lot of political propaganda and hypotheticals about who could be Virginia's new governor as that would change the course of Virginia's political power forever. L. Douglas Wilder's win as Governor of Virginia gave rise to Black power in Virginia's politics and ultimately allowed a shift in Virginia's policy and opportunity for people of color. The newspaper clipping features a headline stating that Wilder would be the nation's first ever Black Governor which would be a monumental and historical moment.
Newspaper clipping on a Wilder fundraiser to raise funds for his democratic party for the Governor position.
This report narrated Lt. Governor Wilder campaign trail as he raised funds to run for Governor under the Democratic party ticket. He attended a fund-raising reception at the King of the Sea. Guest were admitted to the event by making $50 contribution. He also attended a similar event in Martinsville before he flew back to Danville by helicopter. Event organizers sent out about 1,700 invitations residents in Danville and Pittsylvania County. Among the event sponsors are Congress man L.F. Payne Jr, Danville Del, Whitt Clement and 40 other contributors. He showed confidence and certain of becoming the Democratic nominee. He had proved doubters wrong in 1985 when he was elected to the State’s second highest office as the Lt Governor.
A letter to L. Douglas Wilder from Radford, Virginia wishing Wilder the best for his upcoming election. From Antwian Marcel Crawford, stating that he recognizes Wilder's efforts and sees him as an inspiration.
This was letter written to Lt. Governor Wilder then by Antwian Marcel Crawford from Radford, Virginia wishing him well in running for Governor. Antwain believed Governor Wilder’s qualification and the influence he would have on Black Americans in Virginia and across the United States. Antwain believe his victory would demonstrate Black people’s capacity to reach their goals if they work hard enough for it. This letter was a testament to Governor’s long-term dedication and hard work for his people.
This is a letter from Wilder to Patricia Jones from June 2, 1989 in appreciation to her donation to Wilder's campaign.
This photograph features a letter from Lieutenant Wilder to Patricia Jones who was a major contributor to his campaign for Governor of Virginia. In the letter, Wilder explains to Patricia Jones the importance of her contribution to the campaign and what it could mean for the people of Virginia. He also mentioned that the campaign was progressing very well, and that "this will be the most expensive race in Virginia's history." Many people believed that Lieutenant Governor Wilder's win as Governor of Virginia would be a historical and monumental time for the entire nation as he would become the first-ever Black Governor. This would allow more opportunity and a shift in Black political power in Virginia and nationwide.
These are the candidate qualifications for the Virginia election.
This photograph includes an interesting guideline on what is required of a candidate to qualify for running for an election in Virginia. Some of the qualifications that are mentioned in the list include being qualified to vote, being at least thirty years of age, being a registered voter of Virginia for at least five years, and along with other qualifications for Attorney General and Governor. It also includes any fees and filing dates/deadlines that each candidate should be aware of. In Wilder's case, since he was filing as a Governor for Virginia, the fee was $1,700.00.
This is a photograph of Lieutenant Governor Wilder's Inauguration.
This photograph marks the monumental and historical moment when Lieutenant Governor Wilder was inaugurated as Governor of Virginia. In this particular photograph, Wilder was getting ready to give his inauguration speech. This marked a moment in history when the United States had its first state, Virginia, elect an African American as Governor. Many people as pictured in the photograph, were together to rejoice and celebrate this moment in history.
This is a photograph of Lieutenant Governor Wilder's Inauguration.
This photograph marks the monumental and historical moment when Lieutenant Governor Wilder was inaugurated as Governor of Virginia. In this particular photograph, Wilder was getting ready to give his inauguration speech. This marked a moment in history when the United States had its first state, Virginia, elect an African American as Governor. Many people as pictured in the photograph, were together to rejoice and celebrate this moment in history.
This is a Lieutenant Governor Wilder Headshot.
This headshot photograph of Lieutenant Governor L. Douglas Wilder was a remarkable period in time as it was when he was elected into office as the first-ever Black Governor of a state in the nation. Governor Wilder is pictured here smiling big in response to his major accomplishment not only for him but for the entire Commonwealth. This moment signified a time for change and progress in Virginia, especially for marginalized communities in Virginia. Governor Wilder used his time as Governor of Virginia to help and support the commonwealth in the most efficient and effective ways possible.
This is a Lieutenant Governor Wilder Headshot.
This headshot photograph of Lieutenant Governor L. Douglas Wilder was a remarkable period in time as it was when he was elected into office as the first-ever Black Governor of a state in the nation. Governor Wilder is pictured here smiling big in response to his major accomplishment not only for him but for the entire Commonwealth. This moment signified a time for change and progress in Virginia, especially for marginalized communities in Virginia. Governor Wilder used his time as Governor of Virginia to help and support the commonwealth in the most efficient and effective ways possible.
This is a Lieutenant Governor Wilder Headshot.
This headshot photograph of Lieutenant Governor L. Douglas Wilder was a remarkable period in time as it was when he was elected into office as the first-ever Black Governor of a state in the nation. Governor Wilder is pictured here smiling big in response to his major accomplishment not only for him but for the entire Commonwealth. This moment signified a time for change and progress in Virginia, especially for marginalized communities in Virginia. Governor Wilder used his time as Governor of Virginia to help and support the commonwealth in the most efficient and effective ways possible.