The Susanne B. Wilson digital collection represents a snapshot of her time as a San Jose City Council member, Vice Mayor of San Jose, and Santa Clara County Supervisor. Born in Gonzales, Texas in 1928, she relocated to San Jose in 1961, where she quickly became involved in local politics as a volunteer and then board member of the YWCA. A strong proponent of social justice, Wilson was elected to the San Jose City Council in 1973, when Santa Clara County was considered the premier location... Show moreThe Susanne B. Wilson digital collection represents a snapshot of her time as a San Jose City Council member, Vice Mayor of San Jose, and Santa Clara County Supervisor. Born in Gonzales, Texas in 1928, she relocated to San Jose in 1961, where she quickly became involved in local politics as a volunteer and then board member of the YWCA. A strong proponent of social justice, Wilson was elected to the San Jose City Council in 1973, when Santa Clara County was considered the premier location for women in politics in the United States. Eight years later, Wilson became a Santa Clara County Supervisor for District 1, where she advocated for equal rights for women, minorities, and the LGBTQ communities. Another significant contribution was her protection of public hospitals from potential closure, especially the Valley Medical Center. After retiring from her political career in 1991, Wilson co-founded the Valley Medical Center Foundation and served on its Board of Directors to improve health services and access in the county. She mentored many women entering politics and continued her advocacy until her death in 2018. The photographs in this collection depict Wilson through her campaign publicity photographs, especially those in city council meetings and during her work as a Supervisor. Other prominent local and national officials feature alongside Wilson, including congressman Ted Kennedy, Congressman Don Edwards, Congressman Norman Mineta, California Senator Pete Wilson, California Senator Alfred Alquist, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, fellow Board of Supervisors member Dianne McKenna, and former mayor Janet Gray Hayes. Show less