radio and TV stories offer details of this remarkable man's life.
After spending some time in an orphanage and being bused past 3 schools
because his race, Bill became the first African American to be elected to
St. Paul City Council, first AA to be elected City Council President. He
was Mn (state) Commissioner of Human Rights for two DFL governors.
BIll founded and was exec director of Higher Ground Academy. HGA has won
many local, state and national awards for its "Beat the Odds" success with
low income, students of color. He was a huge advocate of public schools,
district or charter, that served low income and students of color well.
There's a Hebrew phrase, "La Dor Va Dor." It translates as "from one
generation to the next generation. BIll not only taught thousands - he
listed to and learned from them. Delighted that 2 newspapers, MPR and a TV
station used this pic, showing Bill and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter,
youngsters, educators & family members, that helps capture his spirit.
[image: Mayor & Bill (1).jpeg]
Bill was a very good friend. Thanks for the honor of speaking at
dedication ceremony in Oct 2019 of 2nd campus of HGA - named for Bill.
Thanks for working together on "op ed" column, attached. He was a
courageous, humble, practical, persistent person with enormous positive
impact on youngsters, families, educators, legislators - and our state.
Front page story, St Paul Pioneer Press
https://www.twincities.com/2019/12/29/st-paul-civil-rights-leader-and-educator-bill-wilson-dies-at-79/
TV:
https://kstp.com/news/bill-wilson-st-paulrsquos-first-black-city-council-member-dies-at-79/5593195/?cat=1
Page 1B - (Minneapolis) Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/st-paul-s-bill-wilson-civil-rights-activist-and-educator-dies-at-79/566585571/
Minnesota Public Radio:
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/12/30/pioneering-st-paul-leader-bill-wilson-dies
https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/pioneering-former-st-paul-city-council-president-bill-wilson-dies-at-79