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Harold Lee Washington (April 15, 1922 – November 25, 1987) was an American lawyer and politician who was the 51st Mayor of Chicago. Washington became the first African American to be elected as the city's mayor in April 1983.
- 1942–1945
- Oak Woods Cemetery
Apr 15, 2022 · Learn about the first Black mayor of Chicago, who rose from humble beginnings to challenge the Democratic machine and face racial backlash. Read about his achievements, controversies and death in office 35 years ago.
Apr 11, 2024 · Harold Washington was an American politician who gained national prominence as the first African American mayor of Chicago (1983–87). During World War II, Washington joined the army and served as an engineer in the South Pacific. After returning home in 1946, he graduated from Roosevelt University.
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- Mayor of Chicago, 1983-1987
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Democratic PartyWon primary election February 22, 1983, defeating Jane Byrne, Richard M. Daley, Sheila Jones, William R. Markowski and Frank R. RanalloElected 51st mayor of Chicago April 12, 1983; defeated Bernard E. Epton (Republican) and Ed Warren (Socialist Workers) in general electionWon primary election February 24, 1987, defeating Jane Byrneand Sheila JonesBorn April 15, 1922 in ChicagoFather was Roy Lee Washington Sr. (1897-1953). Mother was Bertha Jones Washington (1898-1980). His parents married July 29, 1916. They had four children: Roy Jr., Geneva, Edward Glen and Harold. Ro...Harold Washington married Nancy Dorothy Finch on July 22, 1942. They divorced without children on February 25, 1950. At his death, he was engaged to Mary Ella Smith.Died in office November 25, 1987In World War II, served in the 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion, rising to rank of first sergeant. The 1887th received the Meritorious Service Unit Award for building a bomber landing strip on th...
Attended DuSable High School, 1936-1939; diploma awarded after military service, 1946Enrolled in Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939Graduated from Roosevelt College (now Roosevelt University) in 1949Graduated from Northwestern University School of Law in 1952; began private practice the same yearBegan serving as an assistant city prosecutor in Chicago in 1954Began serving as precinct captain in the 3rd Ward in 1954; his father had previously held this positionBegan working as arbitrator for the Illinois Industrial Commission in 1960Served in the Illinois LegislatureCreated the Ethics CommissionIncreased the number of underrepresented groups in city government and in city contractsOpened government with a Freedom of Information executive orderLed fight for ward redistricting, more black and Hispanic representationLearn about the life and achievements of Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor, who served from 1983 to 1987. Find out his military service, education, career, and selected accomplishments in this comprehensive biography.
Apr 15, 2022 · Learn about the life and legacy of Harold Washington, who was elected as Chicago's first Black mayor in 1983 and faced many challenges in office. Watch a special marathon coverage celebrating his 100th birthday on NBC Chicago.
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Jun 28, 2008 · Learn about the life and achievements of Harold Washington, who broke the racial barrier in Chicago politics and served as the city's mayor from 1983 to 1987. Find out how he rose from a segregated public school to a U.S. congressman and a reform leader.
Nov 25, 2022 · Thirty-five years ago, on the eve of Thanksgiving 1987, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington died unexpectedly after suffering a heart attack just months into his second term.
