July 13th 2025.
Renowned psychologist and educator, Dr. Frank B. Wilderson Jr., passed away on June 17 at the age of 94 in his home state of Minnesota. Throughout his lifetime, he dedicated himself to advocating for marginalized communities and was a founding member of the National Association of Black Psychologists.
As the first Black tenure track faculty member at the University of Minnesota in 1962, Wilderson's contributions have left a lasting impact on education practices across the country. In fact, the university credits him with laying the foundation for what is now known as the Individualized Education Plan, a standard practice in public schools. Through his work, he also educated elementary educators on how to compassionately teach students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Dr. Wilderson's accomplishments extended beyond the academic world. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Black studies department at the University of Minnesota and served on the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His dedication to promoting equality and inclusion also led him to become a founding member of the National Association of Black Psychologists.
During the "Morrill Hall Takeover" in January 1969, a protest over the mistreatment of Black students at the university, Wilderson played a crucial role in negotiating an agreement that resulted in the creation of the African American Studies Department at the University of Minnesota. He was then appointed as the first Chair of the Committee responsible for implementing the department and educating students on the importance of having an official department rather than just a program.
His passion for serving the community was evident in his role as the university's vice president of Student Affairs, a position he held for 14 years. Even as he continued to serve the Greater Minnesota community, Wilderson worked tirelessly to fundraise for programs that supported students' mental and emotional well-being. He was supported in this work by his wife, Dr. Ida-Lorraine Wilderson, who was an administrator with Minneapolis Public Schools.
In addition to his contributions to education, Dr. Wilderson also served on the boards of several colleges and was a trustee or director for various organizations. He was also a long-standing member of the Board of the Bush Foundation. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Ida-Lorraine Jules Wilderson, whom he met at Louisiana's Xavier University, the only Catholic HBCU in the nation.
Dr. Wilderson is survived by his four children and six grandchildren, as well as his great-grandchildren and many relatives and friends. On July 10, a Celebration of Life Service was held in his honor at Minneapolis' Basilica of St. Mary. Instead of flowers, the family requested that resources be donated to the Saint Vincent DePaul Shoe and Coat Ministry or to Xavier University of Louisiana.
Dr. Wilderson's passing is a significant loss to the field of psychology and education, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As Black educators warn of the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, it is important to remember the contributions of trailblazers like Dr. Wilderson, who dedicated their lives to promoting equality and inclusion in education.
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