Throughout 2015, the Voices of the Elders series has documented and shared the stories of a prominent African American leaders in Delaware through short films and mini-exhibitions. Past elders featured in this series have included Esthelda Parker Selby, Dr. Joseph E. Johnson, Canon Lloyd Casson and the late James H. Gilliam, Sr. The series will conclude on December 10, 2015.
George C. Wright, Jr. has a long history of service in the State of Delaware. He became the first African American to be elected mayor when he became the Mayor of Smyrna in 1982. Mayor Wright held the office of Mayor until 1995 when he decided not to run for another term. Before becoming mayor, he served on the Smyrna Town Council for six terms, beginning in 1969. Mayor Wright also acted as the executive director of the Delaware League of Local Governments and was the chief of staffing for civilian personnel at the Dover Air Force Base from 1956-1989.
On Thursday, October 22, there will be a reception beginning at 5:30pm, followed by a film screening and program at 6:30pm. The event will be held in the Copeland Room of the Delaware History Museum, at 504 N. Market Street in downtown Wilmington. Free parking is provided by Colonial Parking in the 6th and Shipley Street lot.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling (302) 655-7161 or emailing deinfo@dehistory.org.
This program is a collaboration between the Delaware Historical Society’s Center for African American Heritage, WITN22, and the Wilmington City Council.