January 13 in American History

January 13, 1990 — the first elected Black governor takes office

Douglas Wilder was inaugurated as governor of Virginia — the first African American ever elected governor of a U.S. state, and in the former capital of the Confederacy, no less. The grandson of enslaved people took the oath on the Bible of a Virginia founding family. American change, measured across generations.

Common Questions

What happened on January 13 in American history?

In 1990: the first elected Black governor takes office. Douglas Wilder was inaugurated as governor of Virginia — the first African American ever elected governor of a U.S.

Why is January 13 significant?

Douglas Wilder was inaugurated as governor of Virginia — the first African American ever elected governor of a U.S. state, and in the former capital of the Confederacy, no less. The grandson of enslaved people took the oath on the Bible of a Virginia founding family. American change, measured across generations.

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