Wilson Riles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Wilson Camanza Riles
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|---|---|
| 23rd California State Superintendent of Public Instruction | |
| In office 1971–1983 |
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| Governor | Ronald Reagan (1971–1975) Jerry Brown (1975–1983) |
| Preceded by | Max Rafferty |
| Succeeded by | Bill Honig |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 27, 1917 Alexandria, Louisiana |
| Died | April 1, 1999 (aged 81) Sacramento, California |
| Resting place | Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum Sacramento, California |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary Louise Phillips |
| Profession | Educator |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Unit | United States Army Air Forces |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Wilson Camanza Riles (born June 27, 1917 – died April 1, 1999) was an important American educator and politician from California. He made history as the first African American to be elected to a statewide position in California.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Wilson Riles was born on June 27, 1917, near Alexandria, Louisiana. He became an orphan at a young age. Friends of his family raised him.
He attended Northern Arizona University, graduating in 1940. After college, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
A Career in Education
Wilson Riles dedicated his life to education. He worked to improve schools and help students learn. He believed that every child deserved a good education.
Becoming a State Leader
Riles served as the elected California State Superintendent of Public Instruction for three terms. This is a very important job. The Superintendent leads all public schools in California.
In November 1970, Riles won his first election. This was a big surprise! He beat the person who had the job before him, Max Rafferty. Many people called this win "one of the most stunning upsets in California's political history."
At the time, Riles was working as a deputy superintendent under Rafferty. He was not very well known. But he believed that California's schools needed a change. He decided to run for the top job.
Making History
Wilson Riles was elected to a second term in 1974. He won a third term in 1978. In 1982, he ran for a fourth term but lost to Louis "Bill" Honig.
Riles was the first African-American person to be elected to a statewide office in California. This was a huge step forward for civil rights. He was also the first African-American in the entire country to be elected as a state superintendent of schools.
In 1973, Riles received the Spingarn Medal. This award is given by the NAACP. It honors outstanding achievements by an African-American.
Family Life
Wilson Riles was married to Mary Louise Phillips. They had a son, also named Wilson Riles. His son later served on the city council in Oakland, California.
Wilson Riles passed away on April 1, 1999, in Sacramento, California.
Legacy and Recognition
Wilson Riles left a lasting mark on education. He started the Wilson Riles Archives and Institute for Education in Sacramento. This place helps people learn about the history of public education in California. It has old documents and exhibits for research.
A school in Roseville, California, is named after him. It is called Wilson C. Riles Middle School. This honors his important work and dedication to students.
