Wade Harper (born 1963/1964) is an American politician, the former mayor of Antioch, California. He is the first African American to be elected as mayor.
Wade Harper | |
|---|---|
 Harper baking for charity volunteers | |
| Mayor of Antioch, California | |
| In office 2012–2016 | |
| Preceded by | James Davis |
| Succeeded by | Sean Wright |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1963 or 1964 (age 59–60)[1] |
| Spouse | Lisa Harper |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | B.A. Patten University M.B.A. John F. Kennedy University |
Biography
editHarper was born and raised in Oakland, California, the youngest of three children.[2] His mother was a single mom who remarried a Vietnam veteran who gave him a disciplined upbringing.[2] In 1988, Harper accepted a position as a police dispatcher in Emeryville, California[3] later rising to the rank of sergeant[2] and then in 2005,[2] as a police officer in Tracy, California.[1] rising to the rank of lieutenant.[2] He graduated with a B.A. in pastoral studies from Patten University[3] and an M.B.A. from John F. Kennedy University.[2] In 2001, he moved to Antioch.[1] In 2009, he was appointed to the Antioch Unified School District’s Board of Trustees.[3] In 2010, he won a 4-year term on the City Council, the second African-American to serve on the council after Reggie Moore, who was elected in 2006[1] reflecting Antioch's growing Black population which had increased from 10% in 2000 to 17% in 2010.[1] In 2012, running on a zero tolerance platform, he won election as mayor[1] succeeding James Davis.[3] He was the first African-American mayor of Antioch in its 162 year history.[1] As the mayorship, unlike the City Council, was a full-time position, he also retired from his job as a police lieutenant in Tracy.[1] In January 2015, an unsuccessful recall effort was launched against him due to concerns over the still high levels of violent and property crime.[4] In the November 8, 2016 general election, he was narrowly defeated for re-election by a margin of 67 votes by Sean Wright.[5][6]
Personal life
edit
Harper is an anointed preacher.[2] He is married to Lisa Harper; they have two children.[2] Wade Harper is a published authored. He published his first book in 2018, “Anointed for Leadership: Lessons from Law Enforcement and Pastoral Ministry.” He published his second book in 2021 entitled, “Keep Antioch Beautiful.”
In November of 2020 Wade accepting a position as CEO of a non-profit, Glad Tidings Community Development Corporation in Hayward, CA.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Burgarino, Paul (December 5, 2012). "Antioch's first black mayor, Wade Harper, looks to lead city after years of racial unrest". The Mercury News.
said Harper, 48, who is retiring as a police lieutenant in Tracy
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Contra Costa Today Ep 020: Wade Harper". East County Today. May 23, 2018.
- ^ a b c d "Antioch Mayor Wade Harper Formally Announces his Bid for Re-election". East County Today. April 14, 2016.
- ^ Stanley, Austin (January 18, 2015). "Antioch Mayor Responds To Resident's Attempt To Recall Him". KRON.
- ^ Coetsee, Rowena (December 5, 2016). "Mayor-elect in close Antioch race discusses his immediate plans". East Bay Times.
- ^ Payton, Allen. "It's over, it's all over and Antioch will have a new Mayor, Dr. Sean Wright". Antioch Herald.