Harold Washington

Harold Washington – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Harold Washington (1922–1987), Chicago’s first African-American mayor. Discover his early years, political battles, and memorable quotes that continue to inspire.

Introduction

Harold Washington is remembered as a trailblazing American politician who broke barriers by becoming the first African-American mayor of Chicago. His tenure was marked by bold reform, coalition building, and fierce battles against entrenched political machines. More than three decades after his death, Washington’s governing style and commitment to inclusion continue to resonate in discussions of urban politics and race in America.

Early Life and Family

Harold Lee Washington was born on April 15, 1922, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Roy Washington and Bertha Jones Washington.

His father, Roy, was a precinct captain for the Chicago Democratic Party and also served as a policeman.

Harold grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood, an emblematic hub for Black culture, politics, and business on Chicago’s South Side.

He later enrolled at DuSable High School, where he demonstrated athletic ability—winning first place in the 110-meter high hurdles and second place in the 220-meter low hurdles in a citywide track meet in 1939. Civilian Conservation Corps and later working in a meatpacking plant and then a job with the U.S. Treasury.

In his personal life, Washington married Nancy Dorothy Finch when he was 19 and she was 17. Mary Ella Smith, though they did not formalize their union until 1983.

Youth and Education

After his war service (see below), Washington pursued higher education. In 1946, he enrolled at Roosevelt College (now Roosevelt University), a progressive institution that admitted students regardless of race or religion.

He completed his B.A. degree in August 1949. Northwestern University School of Law, becoming the only Black student in his graduating class.

During his time in law school, Washington joined Nu Beta Epsilon (a fraternity more open to minority membership), and attempted to expand the influence of the Junior Bar Association.

After gaining his law degree, Washington practiced law in Chicago (often alongside his father) and gradually entered local politics.

Military Service

During World War II, Washington served in the United States Army (Army Air Corps / Army Air Forces) from 1942 to 1945, attaining the rank of First Sergeant.

His experience as a Black serviceman in a segregated military informed his later views on civil rights, equity, and public service.

Career and Achievements

Early Political Career

Washington’s political apprenticeship began in Chicago’s 3rd Ward under Alderman Ralph Metcalfe.

He organized and led the 3rd Ward Young Democrats, becoming a mentor for other Black political activists in Chicago.

State Legislature (Illinois House & Senate)

In 1965, Washington entered state politics, winning a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served until 1976.

In 1976, he ran for and won a seat in the Illinois State Senate, serving from 1977 to 1980. Human Rights Act of 1980, which expanded protections against discrimination in credit, employment, and housing.

U.S. House of Representatives

After building a solid record in the state legislature, Washington successfully ran for U.S. House in 1980, representing Illinois’s 1st Congressional District.

In Congress (1981–1983), Washington focused heavily on civil rights, voting rights, and social justice. Voting Rights Act and opposition to deep cuts in social programs.

His Congressional tenure also gave him national profile and connected him to broader political coalitions—setting the stage for his Chicago mayoral run.

Mayor of Chicago (1983–1987)

In 1983, Washington embarked on a historic campaign for mayor of Chicago. In the February Democratic primary, he surprised many by securing support from a newly mobilized coalition of Black, Latino, and independent voters, defeating both incumbent Jane Byrne and Richard M. Daley.

In the general election, he faced Republican Bernard Epton, who was endorsed by many White Democratic machine figures. Despite that, Washington won 51.7% to 48.0%—becoming the first African-American mayor of Chicago on April 29, 1983.

“Council Wars” and Institutional Conflict

Washington’s first term was marked by fierce opposition from a 29-member bloc in the City Council (often called the “Vrdolyak 29,” named for Alderman Edward Vrdolyak) who resisted his reform agenda and blocked many of his appointments and bills. “Council Wars,” created gridlock and intense political drama.

Washington responded by using his veto power and selectively employing legal and political strategies to chip away at the opposition.

Washington created the city’s first Department of Environmental Affairs and pushed for equitable city services, more inclusive hiring, and neighborhood-level investment. Political Education Project (PEP) in 1984, a political arm to support allied candidates and build a sustainable reform coalition.

Re-election and Second Term

In 1987, Washington ran for re-election. He won the Democratic primary over Jane Byrne and then defeated the Illinois Solidarity candidate Edward Vrdolyak in the general election.

Death and Funeral

On November 25, 1987, Harold Washington collapsed at his desk in Chicago’s City Hall and was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His death came as a shock to Chicagoans and to those nationwide who viewed him as a symbol of change. Oak Woods Cemetery.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Washington’s election in 1983 came at a pivotal moment in American urban politics. Many U.S. cities were grappling with racial segregation, white flight, and declining budgets. His campaign mobilized previously underrepresented Black and Latino populations.

• Chicago had long been dominated by the Democratic political machine. Washington’s rise challenged that structure directly, promising reform, transparency, and accountability.

• The “Council Wars” illustrated the entrenched resistance to racial and structural change: many aldermen were aligned historically with the machine or opposed to Washington’s progressive agenda.

• His creation of the Political Education Project enabled a political infrastructure beyond his own mayoralty, enabling new leaders and alliances.

• His untimely death prevented him from fully realizing a second-term agenda, but the momentum he generated reshaped Chicago’s political landscape.

Legacy and Influence

Harold Washington’s impact has been commemorated in numerous institutions and public works:

• The Harold Washington Library Center, the main branch of the Chicago Public Library (opened after his death), bears his name and houses his archives.

• Loop College was renamed Harold Washington College in 1988.

• The Harold Washington Cultural Center on Chicago’s South Side was opened in 2004 to foster culture, arts, and community development.

• Schools, parks (e.g. Harold Washington Park), and other public landmarks in Chicago also honor his name.

• Politically, his style of coalition-building among racial and ethnic groups influenced subsequent progressive movements in major U.S. cities.

Washington’s legacy is more than symbolic: he helped shift power structures in Chicago, opened doors for new generations of leaders (especially Black and Latino), and underscored the potential of reform-minded politics in a major American metropolis.

Personality and Talents

Harold Washington was widely regarded as calm, reflective, and deliberate—rarely fiery, but firm in conviction.

He showed patience in legislative negotiations, respect for institutional rules, and a flair for symbolic gestures (such as emphasizing healing and unity in his rhetoric).

Washington also had political instincts: he understood emerging demographic shifts and the power of voter registration and participation. His establishment of PEP underscored his strategic approach to sustaining reform.

Though not a flamboyant personality, Washington’s steadiness contrasted with the turmoil of Chicago politics in his era—and that contrast amplified his moral authority in the public eye.

Famous Quotes of Harold Washington

Here are several well-known quotes attributed to Harold Washington, capturing his thoughts on fairness, civic duty, and progress:

“Let’s not be overconfident, we still have to count the votes.” “Chicago is one city. We shall work as one people for our common good and our common goals.” “The third fallacy is that affirmative action doesn’t work.” “Our concern is to heal. Our concern is to bring together.” “Business as usual will not be accepted by any part of this city.” “I want to be a mayor who helped, really helped.” “That fallacy flies in the face of studies that show, every day, in every way, things are getting a little worse for America’s minorities relative to the progress made by those in the top percentiles of assets and income.” “Affirmative action works but we’re going to need to muster all our political resources if we are to keep it in place.” “What is so remarkable about the success of affirmative action is that it has been accomplished despite the Justice Department and the policies of the federal government.”

These quotes demonstrate Washington’s emphasis on justice, inclusion, vigilance, and healing.

Lessons from Harold Washington

1. Coalition-building is powerful
   Washington showed that enduring change in politics often comes not from raw power, but from forging alliances across racial, geographic, and ideological lines.

2. Reform requires persistence
   His first term was blocked by entrenched opposition, but he chipped away steadily—using negotiation, veto, legal tactics, and electoral renewal.

3. Symbolism matters
   His rhetoric about healing, unity, and fairness resonated with citizens weary of divisive politics. He understood that governing is not only policy, but also representation.

4. Institutional change is key
   By creating PEP and restructuring city departments, Washington sought to institutionalize reform so that it would outlast his own tenure.

5. Leadership in adversity
   Facing racism, political machine pushback, and health risks, Washington remained committed to his vision. His example underscores how courage and resilience matter in public life.

Conclusion

Harold Washington’s life journey—from the South Side of Chicago, to the trenches of legislative work, to City Hall—paved a new path in American urban governance. His victory in 1983 reshaped Chicago’s political culture, and his style of principled reform left an imprint far beyond his years in office.

Though his second term was cut short, the institutions, alliances, and leaders he inspired continue to carry forward his mission. Today, his legacy reminds us that even in the face of deep resistance, vision, inclusion, and steady resolve can open doors for progress.

Explore his speeches and writings further to experience his voice directly—and discover how his principles can inform leadership today.