Facts on 13 January
1990 - Lawrence Douglas Wilder of Virginia is inaugurated as the first African American

Wilder, a Democrat and former lieutenant governor, won the Virginia gubernatorial race by just 7,000 votes. His election was especially significant given Virginia’s historical role as a central state in the Confederacy during the Civil War. His victory marked a major milestone in U.S. political history and African American representation in government.

Today's Other facts
Next » « Previous