BOSTON (June 21, 2011) -- Road Scholar is pleased to announce that the Honorable L. Douglas Wilder will be the featured speaker on its Taste of Road Scholar event taking place on Martha's Vineyard on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at historic Shearer Cottage in Oak Bluffs.
L. Douglas Wilder's career in public service spans 40 years. As a state senator representing Richmond from 1969 to 1985, Wilder became the first African American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction. He was then the first African American to be elected governor in the U.S., leading the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1990 to 1994. He later served as mayor of Richmond from 2005 until 2009.
The evening event featuring Wilder is a special highlight of a three-night program titled Historical Diversity and Current Life on Martha's Vineyard. The program includes interactions with local business owners, an island author, and a discussion with a former Wampanoag Indian chief for a look at the island's distinct and diverse history.
"It's an honor to have Governor Wilder with us this summer," says Kathy Taylor, associate vice president of community development at Road Scholar. "A Taste of Road Scholar celebrates a small piece of African American history through the voice of our guest speaker. As the first elected African American governor -- with countless other achievements -- Governor Wilder holds a special place in history. We look forward to welcoming him to the Vineyard."
For more information, call toll free at (877) 426-8056 or visit www.roadscholar.org.