LOCAL · IL · 1983-1987

Harold Washington

Mayor of Chicago · Democrat · Illinois

NOTABLE

On the record

First African-American Chicago Mayor; died in office Nov 1987

SEVERITY · DIED-IN-OFFICE

Background

Harold Lee Washington (1922–1987) was Chicago's first African-American Mayor 1983-1987. Federal U.S. Rep IL-1 1981-83. Won 1983 mayoral race against Bernard Epton in one of the most racially polarized U.S. mayoral elections of the 20th century — the "Council Wars" era saw 29 of 50 Aldermen (the "Vrdolyak 29") block his initiatives until a 1986 special election shifted the balance. Died of heart attack at his City Hall desk Nov 25 1987.

Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.