Events in the Life of Harold Washington

Chicago mayor Harold Washington, the subject of the mural

Events in the Life of Harold Washington is a mural at Chicago's central library, the Harold Washington Library, named after Harold Washington, Chicago's first Black mayor. The 10.5 foot high and 15.25 foot wide mural, painted on tiles by Jacob Lawrence, was commissioned in 1991. To evoke inspiration and empower progressive recollection, Lawrence's mural commemorates Washington's life and highlights the African diasporic population's victory against the white power structure of 20th century Chicago. It adds to the artist's lifelong examination of the meaning of Black progress and struggle.