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L. Douglas Wilder seated surrounded by African leaders

The L. Douglas Wilder Collection memorializes the life and career of Virginia's 66th Governor (1990-1994), the first elected African American Governor in U.S. history, and Virginia Union's most celebrated alumnus. Wilder graduated from Virginia Union in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry. He was the first Black legislator to serve in the Virginia State Senate since Reconstruction (1969-1986) and the first Black lieutenant governor of Virginia (1986-1990).

The Collection covers Governor Wilder’s civic, military and political career from the late 1950’s through 2009 and contains papers, photographs and negatives, audio cassette and video tapes, in addition to awards, and memorabilia. For more information on the L. Douglas Wilder Collection visit the LibGuide link below or to view digitized items from the collections, check out either of the following links.

Learn More about Governor Wilder

RISE, Virginia Commonwealth University

Visit the "Governor Wilder Library" to view exhibits and a timeline about Governor Wilder over the years. 

L. Douglas Wilder Collection

L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center, Virginia Union University

New Series: Coal Strike (1989)

The Coal Strike records comprise correspondence, documents, and various news clippings on the Pittston Coal Group and coal strike in southwest Virginia and West Virginia in 1989. Documents are housed in four boxes. Other papers include court documents regarding Clinchfield Coal Company v. International Union, United Mine Workers of America, Willie L. Clark v. International Union, United Mine Workers of America, and excerpts from Lt. Governor L. Douglas Wilder’s discussion with United Mine Workers Union officials and members, and Right to Work documents.

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