Photo: David Shankbone / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Paterson's story stops me in my tracks. Becoming the first legally blind person sworn in as a U.S. governor, and New York's first African-American governor, is staggering on its own. But what gets me is the context: he inherited the office mid-crisis after Spitzer's resignation and steered through nearly three turbulent years anyway. His memoir title, Black, Blind, & In Charge, captures a self-deprecating defiance I find genuinely inspiring. From Brooklyn to Columbia to the governor's mansion, he embodies the idea that perceived limitations are negotiable. I'd rank his resilience above many flashier political careers.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- David Paterson
- Name (Japanese)
- デビッド・パターソン
- Reading
- でびっど・ぱたーそん
- Born
- May 20, 1954 (age 72)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Horse
- Origin
- Brooklyn, New York, United States
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- politician
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- Hempstead High School
- University
- Columbia University
Awards & achievements
- John Jay Award
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
5. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Black, Blind, & In Charge: A Story of Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Adversity | — |
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was David Paterson born?
Born May 20, 1954 (age 72).
Where is David Paterson from?
David Paterson is from Brooklyn, New York, United States.
What does David Paterson do?
David Paterson works as politician.
What is David Paterson known for?
Notable works include Black, Blind, & In Charge: A Story of Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Adversity.
Politician — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-17
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.