RICHMOND, Va. — Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, the nation’s first elected Black governor, marked his 95th birthday over the weekend with a public art exhibit and auction benefiting scholarships at the Virginia Commonwealth University school that bears his name.
More than 200 people attended “Brushstrokes of L. Douglas Wilder,” a special showing of Wilder’s original artwork at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Richmond. Some of Wilder’s art had never before been seen by the public. The event was part of the milestone celebration honoring the former governor.
Five of Wilder’s art pieces are now available for purchase through an online auction. Proceeds will support the Wilder National Ovation Scholarship, which helps cover costs for students at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU.
Newly inaugurated Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also recognized Wilder during her address on Saturday, calling attention to his trailblazing legacy…