Benjamin Lambert facts for kids

Benjamin Joseph Lambert, III (born January 29, 1937 – died March 2, 2014) was an important American leader. He was an eye doctor, a community helper, and a politician. As a member of the Democratic Party, Lambert served for over 30 years in the Virginia government. He worked in both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate. He was the first eye doctor to serve in the Virginia General Assembly.

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Lambert was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 29, 1937. He grew up attending schools that were separated by race in Henrico County, Virginia. He went to Sandston Elementary School.

During a time called "massive resistance", when some schools closed to avoid racial integration, he attended Virginia Randolph Community High School. He graduated in 1955 as the top student.

After high school, he studied math at Virginia Union University. He graduated with high honors. Then, he earned a special degree from the Massachusetts College of Optometry. This school later became the New England College of Optometry.

Benjamin Lambert married Carolyn Lee Morris. They had four children: Benjamin Lambert IV, David M. Lambert, Charles J. Lambert, and Ann F. Lambert.

Community and Professional Work

In 1962, Lambert started his own eye care practice in Jackson Ward, a neighborhood in Richmond. Ten years later, a group called the Richmond Jaycees named him the Most Outstanding Young Man in Richmond.

He was very active in his community. He was involved with his church, St. Paul's Baptist Church, and his college alumni group. He also helped with the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, the Salvation Army Boys Club, and the North Richmond YMCA.

As an African-American leader, Lambert worked with groups like the NAACP. He also helped the Richmond Crusade of Voters and the Jackson Ward Civic Association. These groups worked for civil rights and community improvement.

Lambert served on many important boards. These included the Sheltering Arms Hospital and the Central Virginia Health System Agency. He also served on boards for Virginia Commonwealth University's Health Systems Authority and Dominion Resources. He was known for helping Richmond become a more welcoming place for everyone.

In 1980, he was named the Virginia Optometrist of the Year. In 1993, he received the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.

Political Career in Virginia

In 1977, the people of Richmond elected Benjamin Lambert to the Virginia House of Delegates. He was one of six members representing the 33rd district. He started his part-time job in 1978.

He was re-elected several times. The district boundaries changed after 1980, and his new district became the 71st. He worked with other Democratic leaders like George E. Allen Jr. and Franklin P. Hall.

Lambert helped expand the types of services that eye doctors could offer. He also worked to protect eye care professionals from unfair business practices. His wife, Carolyn, often helped him with his work on legislative committees.

In 1985, voters elected Lambert to the Virginia Senate in a special election. He took over the 9th Senate District from Douglas Wilder, who became Lieutenant Governor of Virginia. Lambert was re-elected many times and gained a lot of experience.

Jean Wooden Cunningham took his place as the delegate for District 71. Benjamin Lambert was the first African-American in the 1900s to serve on the Virginia Senate Finance Committee. This committee handles important money matters for the state.

During his time in the Senate, Lambert served on many other committees. These included Education and Health, General Laws, and Health and Human Resources. He also led special subcommittees. One of these was the Brown v. Board Scholarship Commission. This group helped students who were affected by schools closing during "Massive Resistance" to avoid integration.

Lambert was known for working well with people from different political parties. He was also a strong supporter of education.

In 2006, Lambert supported Republican U.S. Senator George Allen for re-election. The next year, Lambert lost his own re-election bid to Donald A. McEachin. McEachin highlighted Lambert's support for Allen during the campaign.

Later Life and Legacy

Benjamin Lambert passed away on March 2, 2014, at the age of 77, after a period of poor health. He died in a Richmond hospital. He was survived by his wife, Carolyn, his four children, and several grandchildren. His son, Benjamin Lambert IV, continues to be involved in politics.

In 2017, the Library of Virginia honored him as an African American trailblazer. His letters and documents from his time as a Senator (1991-2000) are kept at the L. Douglas Wilder Library at Virginia Union University.

In 2018, a street in the Jackson Ward neighborhood was renamed in his honor.