John A. Wilson (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John A. Wilson
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| 4th Chair of the Council of the District of Columbia | |
| In office January 2, 1991 – May 19, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | David A. Clarke |
| Succeeded by | David A. Clarke |
| Member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 2 | |
| In office January 2, 1975 – January 2, 1991 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Jack Evans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 29, 1943 Baltimore, Maryland, US |
| Died | May 19, 1993 (aged 49) Washington, D.C., US |
| Cause of death | ... |
| Occupation | Politician |
John A. Wilson (September 29, 1943 – May 19, 1993) was an American politician. He was a very important leader in Washington, D.C. He was the first Councilmember for Ward 2 in the city. The John A. Wilson Building, a major government building in D.C., is named after him.
Contents
John A. Wilson's Political Journey
Early Life and Civil Rights Work
John A. Wilson was raised by adoptive parents in Maryland. He left college to become an organizer. He worked with the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He even became a national leader for this group.
In New York City, he worked as a community organizer. During this time, he met Malcolm X. Wilson was active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. He worked with groups like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He also worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Moving to Washington, D.C.
In 1969, Wilson moved to Washington, D.C.. He became the legislative director for the National Sharecropper's Fund. This group helped migrant farm workers. He managed their Washington office for six years.
In 1971, Wilson helped with the campaign for Walter E. Fauntroy. Fauntroy became the first person to represent D.C. in Congress. Wilson successfully ran for the city council in 1974. He also helped lead the District of Columbia Democratic State Committee. In 1992, he was chosen to represent D.C. on the Democratic National Committee.
Serving on the D.C. Council
In 1974, Wilson led the effort to approve the Home Rule Charter. This charter was a big step for D.C. It allowed residents to elect their own mayor and a 13-member city council. This was the first time they could do this.
After the charter was approved, Wilson was elected to the council. He represented Ward 2. This ward was known for being very diverse. He served as the Ward 2 council member until January 2, 1991. On that day, he became the Chair of the Council.
Financial Leadership
While on the council, Wilson led the Committee on Finance and Revenue. He was known as an expert in how cities manage their money. He often warned about the government spending too much. His warnings turned out to be true. Later, the U.S. Congress had to create a special board. This board helped oversee D.C.'s money for several years.
Important Laws He Helped Create
Wilson helped create many important laws. These laws included rules for turning rental homes into condos. He also worked on gun control and rent control laws. He helped expand medical care for women and children.
He wrote D.C.'s strong laws against hate crimes. He also wrote the city's human rights law. This law is one of the most complete in the entire country.
Learning and Education
During his time on the council, Wilson was a Harvard Fellow. He studied at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. He also attended a special program for state and local government leaders at Harvard University.
