Grades: 4-12
Length: 1/60 Minute
Rights: Perpetuity w/ Duplication & Distribution

This inspirational documentary traces the moving and turbulent path of Lawrence Douglas Wilder, the grandson of slaves, from segregated Richmond into the doors of Virginia’s state capitol and onto the national political scene as America’s first elected African-American governor. Combining narration, interviews, archival footage, news clips and photographs, this compelling historical biography looks closely at Wilder’s early years, his rise in state government, and the narrow, and heated 1989 race for governor.  WILDER: An American First, produced by WHTJ Charlottesville PBS in collaboration with the University of Virginia Center for Politics, also addresses Wilder’s failed campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination and his newest role in public service as the first popularly-elected mayor of Richmond in 50 years. This one-hour program features original music by Corey Harris and is narrated by native Virginian and actor Blair Underwood.

SOL Correlations: H/SS: VS.9, USII.1, USII.7, USII.8, CE.3, CE.5, CE.12, VUS.1, VUS.13, GOVT.3, GOVT.6, GOV.18

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Tuesday, 2/17/09 2:00-3:00 a.m.