Wilma J. Webb (Finding Aid)

Wilma J. Webb

1943 -

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Steak; Mexican

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Lots of places

Interview Length: 166 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 20, 2002

Interview Location(s): Denver, Colorado

Abstract

Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb describes her parents' backgrounds, explaining their move from the South to Denver, where they started a family. Webb details her upbringing in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, describing her schooling, the close-knit community, and her favorite childhood recreations. Webb also disucsses instances of discrimination while growing up in Denver. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb discusses her childhood, detailing her family life, her family's involvement in church, and the social life in her neighborhood of Five Points in Denver. Webb also continues to discuss the effect of segregation in Five Points, and explains the impact Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had on her way of thinking. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb explains how race discrimination in employment and education galvanized her into politcal action, citing Dr. Rachel Noel as a major political inspiration. Webb then details her involvement in the Democratic Party, describing her election as a committeeperson and state party secretary. Webb also discusses meeting her husband, Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, and their political careers. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb details her time in the Colorado House of Representatives, beginning with the challenges she faced upon her election in 1980. Webb describes the highlights of her legislative career, including her four-year struggle to adopt a bill recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Webb also highlights her efforts to support drug abusers and to disinvest in South African companies during apartheid. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb discusses her tenure as Denver's First Lady and reflects on her career as a public servant. Webb describes the highlights of her career as a First Lady, and explains why she and her husband place particular emphasis on the arts. In her reflections on her career, Webb considers motherhood, racism and sexism, and her hopes and concerns for the black community. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb describes a series of photos depicting her life, family, and career. Denver, Colorado First Lady Wilma Webb describes photos depicting her life, family, and career.

74 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)