Editing Wilson Goode (section)

== Early Life and Career ==

Wilson Goode grew up in poverty in rural North Carolina before his family moved to Philadelphia. He attended Morgan State University and earned advanced degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. His career in public service began with community organizing and government positions, including service as executive director of the Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement. These experiences prepared him for political leadership while building connections throughout African American Philadelphia.<ref name="goode"/>

Goode served as Managing Director under Mayor Bill Green, the city's chief operating officer responsible for coordinating city departments. This position gave him executive experience and visibility that positioned him for the 1983 mayoral campaign. His primary victory over Frank Rizzo represented a decisive shift in Philadelphia's political landscape, with African American turnout and coalition building overcoming Rizzo's white ethnic base.<ref name="goode"/>