Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder is returning to his alma mater, Virginia Union University, for a book signing and a discussion of his new autobiography, “Son of Virginia: A Life in America’s Political Arena.”

The free event will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, in the L. Douglas Wilder Library and Learning Resource Center Lecture Hall on the VUU campus, 1500 N. Lombardy St.

In November 1989, Mr. Wilder became the first African-American in the nation to be elected governor. He served as Virginiaí’s governor from 1990 to 1994. The Richmond native served in the state Senate and as lieutenant governor before ascending to the state’s highest office.

Later, he served as Richmond’s mayor from 2005 to 2009.

Currently, he is an adjunct faculty member at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The book, which will be available at the event for purchase, chronicles his life and political career.