Washington, Harold

Harold Washington (1922–1987) was the first and only elected African American mayor of Chicago. He built one of the most progressive multicultural coalitions in urban history. Chicagoans referred to him as “Harold” because he was a charismatic leader who was loved by many citizens.

Washington was born on April 15, 1922, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. During his early years, he attended Milwaukee's St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School and Chicago's Forrestville elementary school. He attended DuSable High School but dropped out and earned his high school diploma while in the armed forces. Washington served during World War II and became a decorated sergeant and engineer. On July 22, 1942, Washington married Nancy Finch. They were married for almost eight years but had no children. Several decades later, Washington became engaged to Mary Ella Smith.

After his honorable discharge, Washington continued to pursue his education. Washington received a Bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University in 1949. In 1952, he received a law degree from Northwestern Law School in Evanston, Illinois.

Washington had a successful career as a lawyer and politician. He passed the state bar in 1953 and established his practice in Chicago. In 1954, he became precinct captain of the third ward. He was an assistant city prosecutor from 1954 to 1958. From 1960 to 1964, he was an arbitrator for the Illinois Industrial Commission. Washington was also an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Washington was a Democrat who held several high-profile political positions. He was an Illinois state representative from 1965 to 1976. He was a member the Illinois State Senate from 1977 to 1980. He was also a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1981 to 1983.

He ran unsuccessfully in the Chicago mayoral election in 1977. Over the next six years, Washington attracted a core group of supporters who were committed to his candidacy. In 1983, during a hotly contested race, he defeated several Democratic primary candidates, including Mayor Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley, the son of the former Mayor Richard J. Daley. Many whites left the Democratic Party to support Bernard Epton, a white Republican candidate. [Page 868]Washington gained national attention when he defeated Epton to become the 42nd mayor of Chicago. As mayor, he battled often with white city council opponents known as the “Vrdolyak 29” but was eventually able to make sweeping changes in city government.

Washington also won his reelection and, to the dismay and shock of many, died a few months later on November 25, 1987, from a heart attack. Harold Washington will be remembered because he was a great politician who instilled hope and pride in Chicagoans of every race.