Born in Newark, New Jersey on May 6, 1954, Wilbur, III, is the son of the late Wilbur Jr, and Sylvia Ross.  He was educated in the Newark public school system and graduated from Weequahic in 1973. Sports were a big part of his early childhood.  His father’s outstanding achievements as a world-renowned track coach led him to introduce sports to Wilber as a child. Wilbur played baseball, football and basketball, and, as a result, he developed a sense of team spirit and a sportsmanship, which carried him throughout his life.

Wilbur played varsity basketball during his four years of high school. He started at Seton Hall Preparatory, went to Lenox Preparatory and then spent his last two years at Weequahic High School. This is where he won City and County Titles in his junior year for Outstanding Player.  As a senior, he won a State Title for the Group IV Championship. Wilbur was offered 250 scholarships; recruited by Dick Vitale; and, received a 4-year basketball scholarship to attend the University of Detroit where he graduated with a Degree in Education.   His career options looked promising for an opportunity in the NBA. However, while attending Detroit, he was injured while playing which ended his opportunity to seek a career in the NBA.

Coming back to Newark, Wilbur was employed as an International Longshoreman and served on the ILA Board, Local 1233. He takes pride in representing others and focused on ensuring quality control efforts in the workplace. Another love of his life is being a father-- his children’s welfare means the world to him.

Because of his love for his children, he became involved in the issue of domestic violence. In 2006, he founded a non-profit organization called Men Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (MADV, Inc.). In 2009, he established partnerships for a national mentorship program for teens, ages 14-18. The MADV, Inc. group uses sports and play as an integral part of the program, and includes educators, college students/interns, clergy, athletes, law enforcement, the judicial system, law makers/government, retirees, medical professionals, celebrities, other non-profits as well as others who focus their undivided attention on domestic violence.

Educating the children of Newark and other communities is a first priority for Wilbur as he continues his work enriching youth for the future and developing positive family values.