Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder’s 94th birthday was celebrated with heartfelt tributes at the State Capitol, a jazz concert and reflections on his groundbreaking contributions to Virginia’s political landscape

The nation’s first elected African American governor and Virginia’s first Black governor was honored by the General Assembly at the State Capitol on Friday afternoon. Lawmakers across the floor sang “Happy Birthday” and shared speeches reflecting on the impact Wilder has had on their work.

“He always remains the same person every time I go see him,” said state Sen. Lamont Bagby, D-Henrico, who called Wilder his mentor and hero who influenced Bagby to run for public office since middle school. “I know what I’m going to hear: ‘What have you done?’ ‘Who did you do it for?’ and ‘Where is the money?’”

It also marked the 40th anniversary of Wilder becoming the first African American lieutenant governor in 1985, serving under former Gov. Gerald Baliles. During the General Assembly session, Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears presented Wilder with two framed resolutions honoring his legacy.

“You’ve broken so many barriers for so many people,” Sears said. “We stand on the shoulders of the giants, but we’ve not been able to tell those giants that we are standing on their shoulders.”

 Delegate Don Scott, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, presents a birthday gift to former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder during the General Assembly’s recognition of the 40th anniversary of his historic election as Virginia’s first African American lieutenant governor. The presentation took place in the House of Delegates and Senate chambers Friday, Jan. 17, coinciding with Wilder’s 94th birthday.
 

Wilder then celebrated the evening at the L. Douglas Wilder Library—named in his honor—at Virginia Union University, where the library showcased memorabilia and artifacts he had collected over the years, along with a photo gallery of him alongside national and foreign leaders.

The invitation-only event partnered with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University and was attended by local government officials, HBCU presidents from across the country and Wilder’s close associates.

The celebration also showcased a newer documentary, “L. Douglas Wilder: Beyond Wilder Dreams,” on Wilder’s long career in Virginia’s political spotlight. The documentary recounts his life as a boy growing up in a segregated Church Hill neighborhood, whose family valued education, despite being poor, a Korean War veteran, a state senator and then, a governor, known for his no-nonsense personality and bipartisanship.

 A special celebration honoring the legacy of former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder was held at Virginia Union University on Friday, Jan. 17, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event included a screening of the documentary “L. Douglas Wilder: Beyond Wilder Dreams,” a speech by Wilder and the presentation of a birthday cake.
 

At the event, Wilder reiterated his push for the General Assembly to continue funding HBCUs, expressing his desire for more Black students to have successful careers in public service and health care.

“Encourage those who know what education can do, but let them know that without it, you can’t make it, not in today’s world,” he emphasized. “Don’t let [detractors] tell you that crap about well, ‘[HBCUs] are not state schools.’ They are schools that were forced to be whatever it is they are today as a result of Virginia’s laws.”

The birthday celebration continued Saturday afternoon with a special jazz concert at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Wilder — a lover of jazz music — was treated to performances by two of his favorite artists, saxophonist Gerald Albright and guitarist Jonathan Butler.

“I’m pleased to be 94,” said Wilder at his birthday celebration.