Speech from Wilder's time as governor regarding Commencement Ceremony for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Basic Agent Class. 

This was a speech written by Governor Wilder in the year 1990 for the Drug Enforcement Administration's Basic Agent Class. Governor Wilder was very passionate about anti-drug policies and educated the public about their unintended consequences. This was the first page of his speech for a commencement ceremony on behalf of the basic agent class 72. Within this speech, Governor Wilder recalls the moment he passed Virginia's anti-drug paraphernalia bill in 1970 during his time as Senator. Governor Wilder wanted to ensure the public was aware of the evils of drug use and what it could do to an individual. He continuously advocated not only during these kinds of events but especially among adolescents in schools across the commonwealth. 

Remarks from Governor L. Douglas Wilder on the 'Governor's Commission on Health Care for All Virginians', executed on the morning of July 18th, 1990. 

This photograph features an excerpt from a speech Governor Wilder gave regarding his commission on Health Care for all Virginians. Governor Wilder was passionate about provide statewide health care coverage to all Virginians. He was particularly passionate in ensuring Virginians who suffer from sickle cell anemia with proper health care. Here he was presenting a Joint Bill to the General Assembly in Virginia and wanted to address the health care crisis in Virginia. He paid special attention two three major issues which were: health care accessibility, financing, and quality. He mentions in the speech that 3/4 of Virginia's have no access to proper health care whatsoever. 

Wilder's remarks on the creation of 'Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity and Home Builders Association of Richmond', on October 5, 1990.

This was an excerpt from remarks made by Governor Wilder on October 5, 1990 in Richmond Virginia for the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity and Homebuilders Association of The Miracle on Grayland Avenue. On behalf of Virginia's, Governor Wilder commend the selflessness and vision of Richmond’s Home Builder Association and the Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity for their time, energy, and talents on putting up a two-story, two-family townhouse. The Governor believes forces for positive change can achieve their objectives by bringing together their resources and love of humanity. Governor Wilder highlighted his sustained commitment to addressing housing issues across Virginia. Due to his commitment Governor Wilder was appointed by Lieutenant Governor J. Sargeant Reynolds to serve on the Virginia Housing Study Commission in 1970 during his first year in the State Senate

Governor L. Douglas Wilder's 'Inaugural Address to the General Assembly and the People of Virginia', on January 13, 1990. 

This was a speech delivered by Governor Wilder during the inaugural address to the General Assembly and to the People of Virginia on January 13, 1990 following his election as Governor the Virginia. The Governor expressed his gratitude to Virginians for their belief in him as was demonstrated by the overwhelming voted he received more than any candidate ever for the office. He committed to live up to Virginians’ expectations, as he emphasized that adage that to whom, much is given much is expected. He acknowledged the achievements that Virginia have made in the aspects of education, economic development, environment, employment, housing, and transportation and the state’s position as being among forward looking states. He also assured Virginians of maintaining the momentum that they have been accustomed. 

Remarks from Wilder on the 'Japan-United States Southeast Association and Southeast United States-Japan Association', on October 8, 1990.

This was an excerpt from the remarks made to Japan-United States Southeast Association’s present state of investment on October 8, 1990. Governor Wilder expressed his pleasure to discuss the current status and what needs to the done in the future in the United States and the Southeast in making cost-effective investments in critical infrastructure and on many policy spheres that stimulate long-term economic growth nationally and expanding and retaining foreign investment. He noted Japan’s growing investment in the United States, which increased over 8 folds rising from $35 billion in 1980 to about $280 billion in 1988. He also mentioned that Japan’s business had a 50% stake or higher in 628 production assembly operations in the United States. These employed over 210,000 individuals. They also had almost 45% of their investment in wholesale trade and 16% of investment in manufacturing facilities accounted for foreign direct investment. Other sectors, including estate accounted for 13%, banking 10%, and financing 8% and had their other investments in the insurance and petroleum industries. In the Southeast alone, Japan’s investment employed 56,500 individuals and in Virginia's alone there were 58 Japanese affiliated companies, employing 6,914 and made up of %632 million investments. 

Remarks from Governor Wilder on 'Virginia State NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet', on October 20, 1990.

Governor Wilder delivered this speech to the Virginia State NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet on October 20, 1990 in the James River Ballroom, Omni Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. He discussed the subject of youth and families which is crucial to the future of Virginia and the United States. He highlighted his declaration for 1990s as being Virginia's Decade for Youth and Families and stated there have been progress in that regard even amidst national recession. The Governor stated his commitment to redirect resources to housing, education, fight against drugs, and eliminate bureaucratic wastes upsetting effective and effective service delivery to Virginia in need. He however, indicated the need to move beyond gubernatorial proclamations, speeches, legislations, and community involvement which are inadequate for suffering Virginia families. He warned that Virginian families also need to do more to ensure the family unit remain intact ad rejuvenated in the 1990s and 21st Century and recent survey presented a bleak picture of the present and what the future resembles for Black families across the United States. 

Remarks from Governor Wilder on the '21st Annual Life Membership Awards Dinner', on November 11, 1990.

This was an excerpt from the remarks that Governor Wilder made to the 21st Annual Life Membership Awards dinner on November 11, 1990 at Hampton Inn, Hampton Virginia in honor of individuals who devoted their service to the organization (NAACP) and community. The Governor made reference to political leaders and the President in Washington who refused to override his veto of the Civil Rights Act of 1990 that it has shown there were mile to go. He pinpointed the contribution of the organization in strengthening and giving direction to human rights across the United States and overseas. He expressed belief in many Americans uniting for justice and equality which is needed nationally and internationally. Governor Wilder expressed confidence in the members of the NAACP succeeding in maintaining it. 

Remarks from Governor Wilder on the 'Seus/Korea Panel Discussion on Technological Cooperation', on November 19, 1990.

Governor Wilder spoke on the importance of exchanging progressive technological information as possible across countries due to the growing change in technology. He noted that technology is growing in relevance daily and reiterated what a previous speaker, Fitzpatrick noted that technological cooperation transcends research. The Governor also highlighted Virginia’s commitment and hope for Partnership in Excellence initiatives that ensures Virginia’s business, government, and education communities for sustainable economic development by promoting education and training expertise, which will be required in the 21st Century. He expressed belief in the marketplace productivity as an area where the Southeast can benefit from the training expertise Korea has advanced over the years. He added that other parts of the United States could do well in following Southeastern lead in developing a proficient workforce across the technological industry. Governor Wilder also noted the importance of focusing on the field of recycling do the years, a sector of growing importance in Korea and the United States. 

Remarks from Governor Wilder on the 'Welcoming Ceremony and Opening Session of Seus-Korea Trade Conference', on November 19, 1990.

The Governor made these remarks on the welcoming ceremony and opening session of the Seus-Korea Trade Conference on November 19, 1990 in Charleston, South Carolina. The Governor expressed appreciation for the opportunity to represent Virginia and to exchanging vast ideas bordering on improving the trade flow between the United States and Korea. He noted that this will advance economic opportunities for individuals and families in both countries. Understanding that the world is becoming more multipolar does not require a doctoral degree in economics. It is important to recognize existing realities as Germany has become united and threats coming from Iraq and learn how to address these realities. Countries are becoming increasingly competitive as make their way to the top of the global economy across different sectors, from manufacturing, money markets, to technology. The Governor urged the United States and Koreas as leaders in many commercial sectors to be more flexible to the evolving world environment and determine to uphold and advance their abilities in the global market competition. 

Senate document addressing L. Douglas Wilder as the Governor of the General Assembly on January 15, 1990.

This first page is a part of Governor Wilder's Inaugural Address to the General Assembly and to the People of Virginia. Governor Wilder presented in this address the efforts he expects of the General Assembly on the key issues he wishes to address during his time in office for the greater good of the commonwealth. Some of the key issues Governor Wilder mentioned to the Senate were education, economic development, housing, environment concerns, employment, and transportation. Governor Wilder's concerns and key issues he wished to address in 1990 are similar to the concerns to many Virginians in today's time. In addition, this Inaugural Address was especially special as Governor Wilder made history as the first Black Governor in American history nationwide. Governor Wilder wanted to ensure equity and opportunity to all Virginians across the commonwealth and believed that progress was possible with the right resources and effort from those working at the General Assembly.

Remarks from Governor Wilder on 'B'Nai B'rth International Convention Luncheon', on August 27, 1990. 

This was excerpts from the remarks made Governor Wilder to the B’NAI and B’RITH International Convention Luncheon on August 27, 1990 at Loews Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The Governor recognized the efforts of the key individuals, including Seymour Reich, Phillip Klutznick, and Jack Spitzer for their long-term devotion, energy, and expertise in the organization and their communities. He also recognized many men and women in the audience have perform critical roles through difficult times of prejudice and ignorance. He highlighted the fact that many people including himself have worked hard to ensure equality for all people of different races, religion, and nationality, and generations. He urged everybody to be steadfast we approach the 21st Century to not allow the past gains fade away as those successes may not adequate for the present needs. 

October 21, 1990 newspaper clipping of L. Douglas Wilder stating his support of lethal injection.

In a news article written by Steve Suo dated 10/21/90 titled “In visit, Wilder says he’d back lethal injection, laborfest, traffic among other topics” the Governor said he would support a bill permitting execution of death-row inmates by lethal injection. He made these remarks in an interview at the City Hall during an open house with about 80 attendees. He however stated that his support for the use of lethal injection is unconnected to electrocution death of Wilbert Lee Evans, a convicted murderer. The Governor was a formerly opposed to the death penalty but referred to the execution as an awesome consequence of crime. He however added that death penalty is not pleasant task but as a law on the books he must implement it as the chief executive officer. People had attended for diverse reasons, such as lobbying for specific legislations, seeking executive pardons for criminal records, and personal assistance.

Elementary Students from R.C. Longan visiting Governor L. Douglas Wilder at the State Capitol.

Governor Wilder was passionate during his time as governor in educating the youth about various societal issues and what it takes to be Governor of a state. In this photograph, Governor Wilder was visited by elementary students from R.C. Longan at the State Capitol. Within this photograph, Governor Wilder was possibly talking to these students about the role of a Governor and educated them about state government along with inspiring them to be the change in their local communities. 

The first page of Time Magazine featuring L. Douglas Wilder at his Inauguration in 1989.

This historical photograph features the first page of a Time Magazine where Governor Wilder is presented as Governor of Virginia during his Inauguration in 1989. It is highlighted as "The Door Opens" as the inauguration of Wilder being the first Black Governor in the nation gave rise to a shift in political power for future Black people interested in holding high positions in government. It also presented opportunity and progress. 

Remarks made by Governor Wilder for Veterans on November 11, 1990 at Trinity Baptist Church Richmond, VA.

This was an excerpt from remarks made for the Veterans’ Day on November 11, 1990 at Trinity Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia. The Governor expressed gratitude for attending and recognized the significant contributions of service men and women throughout the country’s history. Millions of Americans directly benefit from the sacrifices of service men and women in pursuit of freedom and American way of life. These freedoms would be mostly appreciated by those who have served and whose family members and friends have served in that capacity. He added he was among those who served in Korea, while others did not make it back home. Governor Wilder also expressed the deep extent of gratitude for those who had served and profound prayers for active members who continue to defend America’s interests and international law. He maintained that there is no end to the admiration to bravery and legacy of those who served. 

Remarks made by governor Wilder at the symposium of the legislature in the 21st Century on April 27, 1990 at the Cascades Meeting Center, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Governor Wilder made these welcome remarks at the symposium of the legislature in the 21st Century on April 27, 1990 at the Cascades Meeting Center, Williamsburg, Virginia. He expressed appreciation to the Eagleton Institute for granting Virginia the opportunity to host the symposium. He welcomed attendees on behalf of Virginia. He emphasized that the meeting was timely. 

Governor Wilder’s remarks made to the Human Rights Commission Luncheon Human Rights Day on December 10, 1990 at Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

These were excerpts from the Governor Wilder’s remarks made to the Human Rights Commission Luncheon Human Rights Day on December 10, 1990 at Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. The Governor reflected on the United States past struggles and achievements to ensure liberty and justice for all. He also recalled the significant roles that Virginians have played during these struggles in pursuit of justice for the furtherance of better human conditions. Governor Wilder also mentioned that hardly would a day passed by without evoking the name and principles of America’s forefathers by those trying to cope with the great powers and the enormous responsibilities of liberty and freedom. He added that millions of people have been emancipated from tyranny of totalitarianism with the crumbling of Berlin Wall in last November, marking the end of the communism. He stated it is the moral obligation for all freedom-loving people across the world to help those countries as they can to extend human progress to those who have been in darkness for a much longer period. The Governor warned against complacency and belief that tyranny has completely ended. 

Governor Wilder’s remarks made to the Human Rights Commission Luncheon’s Human Rights Day on December 10, 1990 at Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia.

These excerpts from the Governor Wilder’s remarks made to the Human Rights Commission Luncheon Human Rights Day on December 10, 1990 at Marriott Hotel in Richmond, Virginia. He expressed appreciation to Virginians for the opportunity to deliver his genuine encouragement to the students ahead of the start of the academic year. He informed of the importance of the task ahead of them and should be ready to go beyond academic instructions. He reminded them of his thoughtfulness of the significant the Richmond public school system to his education. Although he was not an education professional, he had been close to those in the profession. He recounted his childhood days in East End Richmond how their home would always have children other than outside their family for dinner and how one of his older sisters, a second grade teacher, loved bringing home children from her class.