Wade Harper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wade Harper
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Harper baking for charity volunteers
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| Mayor of Antioch, California | |
| In office 2012–2016 |
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| Preceded by | James Davis |
| Succeeded by | Sean Wright |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1963/1964 (age 60–61) |
| Spouse | Lisa Harper |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | B.A. Patten University M.B.A. John F. Kennedy University |
Wade Harper, born in 1963 or 1964, is an American politician. He used to be the mayor of Antioch, California. He made history as the first African American person to be elected to that important role.
Contents
About Wade Harper
Early Life and Education
Wade Harper grew up in Oakland, California. He was the youngest of three children. His mother raised him, and later remarried a Vietnam veteran.
Harper went to college and earned two degrees. He received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in pastoral studies from Patten University. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from John F. Kennedy University.
Career in Public Service
Wade Harper began his career in public service in 1988. He started as a police dispatcher in Emeryville, California. He later became a sergeant there.
In 2005, he became a police officer in Tracy, California. He worked his way up to the rank of lieutenant.
Moving to Antioch and Political Career
Harper moved to Antioch in 2001. He quickly became involved in his new community. In 2009, he was chosen to be on the Antioch Unified School District’s Board of Trustees.
In 2010, he won a four-year term on the City Council. He was the second African American person to serve on the council. This showed how Antioch's Black population was growing.
Becoming Mayor of Antioch
In 2012, Wade Harper ran for mayor of Antioch. He won the election, taking over from James Davis. This was a big moment for Antioch.
Harper became the first African American mayor in the city's 162-year history. Being mayor was a full-time job. Because of this, he retired from his police lieutenant position in Tracy.
Time as Mayor
Harper served as mayor from 2012 to 2016. During his time, some people were concerned about crime levels. In January 2015, there was an attempt to remove him from office, but it was not successful.
In the election on November 8, 2016, Harper ran for re-election. He was very narrowly defeated by Sean Wright. The difference was only 67 votes.
Personal Life
Wade Harper is married to Lisa Harper. They have two children together. He is also a preacher.
Harper has written two books. His first book, "Anointed for Leadership: Lessons from Law Enforcement and Pastoral Ministry," was published in 2018. In 2021, he published his second book, "Keep Antioch Beautiful."
In November 2020, Wade Harper accepted a new role. He became the CEO of a non-profit organization. This organization is called Glad Tidings Community Development Corporation, located in Hayward, California.
See Also
- List of first African-American mayors
- African American mayors in California
