News Flash

July 15, 2019 - What was it like to be the first African-American to win a breakthrough election and serve as a political pioneer in a local, state or national office?

On Aug. 23, hear firsthand from:

• Doug Wilder, who was the first African-American elected governor of any state when he was elected in Virginia in 1989.
• Howard Lee, who was the first African-American be elected mayor of any majority-white city in the South, when he was elected in Chapel Hill, N.C., in 1969.
• Rep. Bobby Scott, who became the first African-American U.S. Representative from Virginia since Reconstruction when he was elected in 1993.
• Lt. Gov. Jenean Hampton, who became the first African-American to hold statewide office in Kentucky after her 2015 election.

The three-hour discussion will be moderated by TV journalist and Emmy-winner Byron Pitts. Organized by Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck, the luncheon promises to be a frank look at race and politics, from the past to the present. It starts at noon on Aug. 23 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive. 

Tickets for the African American Political Pioneers Luncheon & Panel Discussion are $50 and payable by credit card online at PoliticalPioneersLuncheon.eventbrite.com.The luncheon connects two key August events in Hampton: The national convening of Cities United, a group of mayors from across the country committed to stemming the tide of violence in their communities, and the commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the first Africans brought to English-occupied North America. 

Questions about the luncheon may be directed to the Hampton 311 Call Center at 757-727-8311. For more information about the events commemorating 1619, go to firstafricanlanding.com.