JT Becker4/8/14L. Douglas WilderLawrence Douglas Wilder is an African American who, with hard work, rose from his humble beginnings to become a decorated veteran serving in the Korean War, toxicologist, lawyer, politician, and university professor. He has received numerous honors and awards during his more than 40-year career in public service. Lawrence Douglas Wilder was born in Richmond, Virginia on January 17, 1931. He was named after abolitionist Fredrick Douglas and poet Paul Lawrence. He came from a large family, being the second youngest of 8 children, with one brother and six sisters. His father, Robert, was a salesman and supervisor of agents for a black-owned insurance company. His mother Beulah (could also be Eunice depending on the source), worked as a housekeeper. His grandparents, James and Agnes Wilder, were slaves making him the grandson of slaves. His family lived in a poor, segregated neighborhood. Mr Wilder said he remembered his childhood as one of "sweet poverty". (Source 2)At the age of thirteen he began working to earn money for college. He was a shoeshine boy, an elevator boy and a paper boy. He attended the all-black Armstrong High School, where he acted in plays, was a sergeant in the Corps of Cadets, and earned good grades, graduating at age 16. Lawrence was a very educated man, but he did not have the capacity for the best education until college. He began college at Virginia Union University, an all-black school, where he earned bachelor's degrees in chemistry and science in 1951. After graduation he began working as a toxicologist at the medical examiner's office. In 1952, he was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War where he earned the Bronze Star for heroism in combat for... half of the paper... and also received the Roosevelt Medal of Honor. to be a great person in public service. In May 2004, Virginia Commonwealth University named the School of Government and Public Affairs in his honor. Lawrence Douglas Wilder did a lot to help our country. Including the establishment of a state holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that became a national holiday. As a result of his actions, he also received numerous awards. He helped end segregation and helped black Americans take an equal place in society. After being elected governor of Virginia he declared: “I read Abraham Lincoln's writings on liberty and equality and knew they applied to me. My victory fulfills all the dreams anyone could dream of." (Source 4) Mr. Wilder is considered a very victorious man, elected official lawyer, soldier and politician.