Son of Virginia: A Life in America's Political Arena

by L. Douglas Wilder

In 1981, the Commonwealth of Virginia, which had been dominated for decades by “the Organization,” a political machine led by former Governor and U.S. Senator Harry Byrd Sr., took its first baby steps to becoming the vibrant state it is today. That year, Charles Robb rejected the machine and began a new Democratic Party in his campaign for governor. Instead of running against African Americans, Robb reached out to Douglas Wilder, the state’s only African American State Senator and other leaders in the African American Community to rally voters of color to support the Democratic ticket. With the help of a heavy African American turnout, Robb won and the Byrd machine was crushed.

In 1985, just four years later, Doug Wilder won the party’s nomination for Lieutenant Governor against the cries of “Virginia isn’t ready” and, later that year, defied the naysayers by being elected to that office. Within five years, he would be sworn in as the first elected African American governor in American history.
SON OF VIRGINIA by L. Douglas Wilder details the events of the author’s life to paint a portrait of the changing face of America. It will be a story of constant struggle and conflict, not only Wilder’s struggle, but also that of courageous people who stood up to decades of discrimination, corruption and greed. The book will stand as a road map for continued American progress in our elections and laws and a stark warning of what may happen if we relax our commitment to this program.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Politics

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2015

Reviews

[David Hayter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having known the Governor professionally for some time and listening to his various speeches and radio appearances it is nice to read about where he came from and how he got into politics. Wilder has always been about The People and not the popularity contest of politics. Even to this day he seems to understand Virginians better than most. It's a good read and an inspiring story. As he recently said on a TV appearance, "I did what I could with what I had."

[Lawrence Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusually well written political memoir.

[MaryBeth Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrific book for Virginia politics buffs.

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader of Virginia politics, I was excited to read Governor Wilder's account of the life that led to his involvement in politics. Wilder uses illustrations of his encounters with various types of leaders to explain the experiences that shaped his life and his own leadership style. For the careful reader, this is a how-to-manual on leadership.

[Gloria Bailey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it 3 1/2 stars. I found this an interesting autobiography of L. Douglas Wilder, first African American governor of Virginia. The history that he witnessed was of interest to me, and I found him to be a generally likable person. He did sound a lot like a politician and was sure he was right in most circumstances. Nevertheless, I found it educational and interesting.

[Carol Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. The former governor discusses not only his political accomplishments but the impact and influence of his family and family history.