Harold Washington

Harold Washington. . , Harold Washington , Politician , 1922 - 1987, Harold Washington’s election in 1983 as Chicago’s first black mayor gained national attention. He won with the support of a “rainbow coalition” of blacks, Hispanics, Asians, liberal whites, women and the elderly. His legacy is based on bringing opportunity and inclusiveness to those who had never been favored by city policies or patronage., Washington opened up city government to all citizens. He increased the number of city contracts awarded to minority businesses, vastly expanded opportunities for women and minorities in public employment, created the first city-wide ethics ordinance, and drafted the city’s Freedom of Information Act. He encouraged people to become involved in community operations and neighborhood festivals. , Washington grew up on Chicago’s South Side, attended DuSable High School and enlisted in the Army during World War II. Returning home, he finished high school, earned his undergraduate degree from Roosevelt College, and in 1952 earned a law degree from Northwestern University. He served 15 years in the Illinois state legislature and one and a half terms in the United States House of Representatives before becoming a candidate in Chicago’s 1983 mayoral race. Although he often said he wanted to be mayor for 20 years, Washington died seven months into his second term. ,