African Americans first served in the Senate of Virginia during the Reconstruction era, though this brief period of political inclusion was halted. Black political representation reemerged in the late 20th century, notably with future governor L. Douglas Wilder's election to the Senate of Virginia in 1969. This resource is designed to help you:
identify key dates in the history of African American service in the Senate of Virginia
name African Americans in the role of Senator and Presiding Officer, both past and present
feel included in our citizen legislature, connected to Virignia's civic story, and inspired by public service
share your views with elected officials
participate in civic duty
vote in federal, state, and local elections