Wilma Webb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilma Webb
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| First Lady of Denver | |
| In office July 15, 1991 – July 21, 2003 |
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| Preceded by | Ellen Hart Peña |
| Succeeded by | Helen Thorpe |
| Member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 8th district |
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| In office 1980–1993 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1944 (age 80–81) Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Spouse | Wellington Webb (m. 1969) |
| Children | 4 |
Wilma J. Webb (born in 1944) is an American politician. She served in the Colorado General Assembly from 1980 to 1993. As a Democrat, she represented Denver County in the Colorado House of Representatives.
Wilma Webb helped create many new laws, including those about schools and fairness. She is famous for helping make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a state holiday in Colorado. This happened even before it became a national holiday. She also worked hard to teach young people about King's important work.
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Wilma Webb's Early Life and Education
Wilma Webb was born in Denver, Colorado. Her parents were Faye and Frank Gerdine. She went to the University of Colorado Denver.
Later, while she was a state lawmaker, she studied at the Harvard Kennedy School in 1988.
Wilma Webb's Political Career
Wilma Webb married Wellington Webb in 1969. Her husband later became the first African American mayor of Denver. He was mayor from 1991 to 2003.
Wilma Webb became the First Lady of Denver. She was the first First Lady of the city who had also held a political job herself.
Key Achievements in the Colorado House
During her time in the Colorado House of Representatives, Wilma Webb made history. She became the first African-American member of the Joint Budget Committee. This committee was very powerful, with only six members.
In 1981, she helped write the state's budget, which was about $4 billion. This showed her important role in managing Colorado's money.
Recognition and Awards
Many groups have honored Wilma Webb for her work. The National Education Association is one of them. In 1991, she was added to the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes women who have made big differences in Colorado.
Wilma Webb's Personal Life
Wilma Webb and her husband have four adult children. She is a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Denver. She also belongs to the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.
