Former Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, born on January 17, 1931, became Richmond’s new mayor in 2005. A Richmond native, Mr. Wilder brings decades of political leadership to his new position, and his career is highlighted with many precedents. Mr. Wilder became the first African-American to be elected governor in the U.S., leading the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1990 – 1994. He served as lieutenant governor from 1986 – 1990. Serving as a state senator from 1969 – 1985, Mr. Wilder became the first African-American state senator in Virginia since Reconstruction and served five terms. He persisted in sponsoring legislation that eventually led to establishing a state holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.In addition to currently serving as mayor, Mr. Wilder is a Distinguished Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, a newspaper columnist and the driving force for establishing a national Slavery Museum in Fredericksburg, Va.