Wilmer A. Carter gives back to the community as CSUSB alum

By Erin Posjena |Staff Writer|

Black History Month during the month of February has long been a tradition where we acknowledge and honor the accomplishments of notable black figures in our past.

While there are many men and women who deserve the honor of being recognized, there still are many who go unnoticed.

Locals of San Bernardino probably aren’t aware that we have our very own notable figure in our own backyard! Her name is Wilmer Carter.

She was born in 1941 and spent her childhood in Mississippi before moving to San Bernardino.

CSUSB students may have more in common with her than they may think– for starters, she is an alumni!

Carter graduated from San Bernardino High School and attended Valley College before earning her Bachelor’s in English in 1972 and her Master’s in education from CSUSB in 1976.

Carter was and continues to be an advocate for our citizens and youth in the Inland Empire.

Education reform has always been a focus for her and she also has called for a more specialized and educated workforce.

The community of Rialto offered Carter the chance to serve by participating on the board of education from 1983 to 1999.

She became a politician for the Democratic Party and served in the California State Assembly from the 62nd district until November 2012.

Late congressman George Brown appointed her as his district director after working together for 23 years.

During her time as district director, Carter has supported and co-authored laws that improve safety, health, jobs, transportation, housing and education for the citizens of the 62nd district.

CSUSB has seen Carter coordinate various community and legislative community relations as well.

“I’ve been lucky enough to serve in so many organizations in my community over a period of so many years,” said Carter.

According to smartvoter.org, her commitments have been to create a sustainable community which includes creating green jobs, promoting and retraining renewable energy and perhaps most importantly, bringing in resources to the 62nd district.

“Everyone in the community has been a contributor to the growth of our community,” said Carter.

It is reported by smartvoter.org, that Carter believes that we can stimulate the economy by strengthening small, independent businesses. She is also a small business owner alongside her husband.

Carter has been seen as a woman who values self-reliance and community support.

After researching Carter, I would say that among her biggest accomplishments would be her developing, leading and directing a school-to-work program that became a national model for career development for high school students.

This program has demonstrated Carter’s commitment to public service.

Her accomplishments and dedication in the area led to the city of Rialto naming a high school after her.

The naming of Wilmer Amina Carter High School enabled her to become the first African American woman in the Inland Empire to have a school named after her.

During her career, Carter has been involved in over 30 local and national organizations and she continues to be involved in the community.

Carter retired from her work in the community in 2012.

She currently lives in Rialto with her husband and has three adult children.