Description
This collection documents the mayoral career of Willie L. Brown, Jr., who was mayor of San Francisco from 1996 to 2004. Included
are bill files, subject files, correspondence, press releases, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Background
Willie Lewis Brown, Jr. was born March 20, 1934 in Minneola, Texas and became one of California’s most influential politicians.
He graduated from San Francisco State College in 1955 and received a Juris Doctor degree from Hastings College of the Law
in 1958. Brown was in private practice when he was elected to represent the 18th Assembly District (Democrat, San Francisco;
later represented the 17th and 13th ADs) in the California Assembly in 1965. He served as Speaker from 1980 to 1995, a record
term and the first African American in that role. He enjoyed a powerful long tenure, raising significant money for his fellow
Democrats. Brown is married to the former Blanche Vitero. He has four children.
Extent
28.25 cubic feet
(34 boxes)
Restrictions
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk
hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance. Confidential information was redacted
in the Open Door Day Notebooks.