13 Facts About Wallace Henderson

Wallace Henderson served as the Commissioner of Debating and was a part of several plays throughout high school.

Wallace Henderson attended Fresno State Normal School graduating in 1937 with a dual major in Philosophy and Psychology.

In 1950, Wallace Henderson ran for the California State Assembly representing the city of Fresno in what was then Assembly District 34, which eventually moved to the 32nd district, and served in the assembly from 1951 to 1959.

Wallace Henderson co-sponsored the California Fair Employment Practices Act, which was an anti-discrimination law and a precursor to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Wallace Henderson left the union and became a teacher at Fresno Junior College, and then Fresno State College.

Wallace Henderson voiced opposition to the initial location of SR 41, which would have carved through Huntington Boulevard Neighborhood.

Wallace Henderson led the opposition to remove other tree-lined streets in Fresno, including North Fulton Street heading out of Downtown Fresno.

Wallace Henderson voiced support for the city to retain its bus transit system, today known as FAX; other councilmembers had called for its elimination.

Wallace Henderson noted that the bus system was indispensable for the city.

Wallace Henderson supported the continued progression on equal and fair housing and employment.

Wallace Henderson was joined by Rev Martin Luther King Jr.

In December 1964, Wallace Henderson chose to not seek a full term as mayor, which allowed for an open race for the mayoralty.

In 1970, Wallace Henderson attempted a comeback election to take control of his old State Assembly seat, now considered Assembly District 32.