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 1963 or 1964) is an American politician. He served as the former mayor of Antioch, California. He is known for being the first African American person elected as mayor of Antioch.
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About Wade Harper
Wade Harper was born and grew up in Oakland, California. He was the youngest of three children. His mother raised him, and later she remarried a Vietnam veteran.
Early Career and Education
In 1988, Harper started working as a police dispatcher in Emeryville, California. He later became a sergeant there. In 2005, he became a police officer in Tracy, California, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant.
Wade Harper also continued his education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in pastoral studies from Patten University. He then received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from John F. Kennedy University.
Moving to Antioch and Public Service
In 2001, Harper moved to Antioch. He soon became involved in his new community. In 2009, he was chosen to be on the Antioch Unified School District’s Board of Trustees. This board helps make decisions for the local schools.
In 2010, he won an election for a four-year term on the Antioch 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. His victory was a big moment for Antioch. He became the first African American mayor in the city's 162-year history.
Since the mayor's job was full-time, he retired from his position as a police lieutenant in Tracy. In 2015, some people tried to remove him from office early, but this effort was not successful. In the election on November 8, 2016, he was narrowly defeated by Sean Wright.
Personal Life
Wade Harper is married to Lisa Harper, and they have two children. He is also a published author. In 2018, he released his first book, Anointed for Leadership: Lessons from Law Enforcement and Pastoral Ministry. His second book, Keep Antioch Beautiful, was published in 2021.
In November 2020, Wade Harper accepted a new role. He became the CEO of a non-profit organization called Glad Tidings Community Development Corporation in Hayward, California.
See also
- List of first African-American mayors
- African American mayors in California
Images for kids
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Mayor Wade Harper honored with a mural at Antioch High School
