Harold Washington | |
|---|---|
 Washington, circa 1982 | |
| 51st Mayor of Chicago | |
| In office April 29, 1983 – November 25, 1987 | |
| Deputy | Richard Mell David Orr |
| Preceded by | Jane Byrne |
| Succeeded by | David Orr (acting) |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 1st district | |
| In office January 3, 1981 – April 30, 1983 | |
| Preceded by | Bennett Stewart |
| Succeeded by | Charles A. Hayes |
| Member of the Illinois Senate from the 26th district | |
| In office May 7, 1977 – November 20, 1980 | |
| Preceded by | Cecil A. Partee |
| Succeeded by | James C. Taylor |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
| In office March 22, 1965 – August 8, 1976 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Harold Lee Washington April 15, 1922 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | November 25, 1987 (aged 65) Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oak Woods Cemetery |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Dorothy Finch
(m. 1942; div. 1950) |
| Domestic partner | Mary Ella Smith (1967–1987) |
| Education | Roosevelt University (BA) Northwestern University (JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | First Sergeant |
| Unit | United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces |
| Battles/wars | World War II • South Pacific • Central Pacific |
| ||
|---|---|---|
Transit projects
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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.[1] Washington became the first African American to be elected as the city's mayor in April 1983. He served as mayor from April 29, 1983, until his death in 1987. Born in Chicago and raised in the Bronzeville neighborhood, Washington became involved in local 3rd Ward politics under Chicago Alderman and future Congressman Ralph Metcalfe after graduating from Roosevelt University and Northwestern University School of Law.[2][3] Washington was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981 to 1983, representing Illinois's first district. Washington had previously served in the Illinois State Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives from 1965 until 1976.
- ^ "Chicago Mayors". Chicago Public Library. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
- ^ Black Chicago's First Century: 1833–1900, Volume 1; Volumes 1833–1900, By Christopher Robert Reed. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
- ^ Jet, Sep 6, 2004. Retrieved March 9, 2020.