By The Harold Washington Tribute Committee
The charismatic late Mayor Harold Washington is noted for transforming Chicago’s political environment and creating an open all-inclusive government that represents Chicago’s rich diversity.
Citizens, civic, faith and political leaders are launching an effort to ensure that the memory of Harold Washington’s legacy is not forgotten on Friday at the Ramada Lake Shore in Hyde Park where the former mayor announced his candidacy.
The 30th Anniversary commemoration is being presented under the title: “The Man, the Moment, the Movement.”
The committee will announce a month-long series of events coordinated in collaboration with various community based organizations, academic and cultural institutions that highlight Harold Washington’s impact and influence culturally, politically and economically. In addition, a Harold Washington Scholarship Fund will be initiated for students pursing public service careers.
This effort to memorialize the emergence of Harold Washington as Chicago’s first African-American mayor in the city’s, then, 149- year history is led by the Harold Washington Tribute Committee. The committee represents a diverse group of citizens who believe Harold Washington’s transformative accomplishments and legacy should be recognized, preserved and perpetuated for future generations.
Honorary co-chair, the Honorable Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois and a Harold Washington contemporary said, “Harold Washington will be remembered as a giant in the history of America’s big-city mayors. Not content to be a trailblazer, he was transformational, profoundly changing the way Chicago governs itself.”
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Editor’s Note: Washington didn’t feel quite the same way about Quinn.
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Committee convener, political activist and Chicago socialite Josie Childs said, “Chicago leads the nation in producing profoundly iconic leadership examples and Harold Washington ranks among the best for breaking racial and gender barriers while advancing progressive urban policies.”
Childs points to the success of Harold Washington’s campaign in mobilizing unprecedented numbers of non-traditional voters and benchmark administration accomplishments including:
* Created the Ethics Commission
* Issued an executive order increasing minority business contracts
* Opened government with a Freedom of Information executive order
* Led fight for ward redistricting; more black and Hispanic representation
* Fought for equal provision of public services; neighborhood street, curb and gutter repair
* Opened the city’s budget process for public input and participation
* Encouraged neighborhood festivals and projects
* Led movement for Illinois’ Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Bill
Schedule of Events
April 12: Opening Kick-off Press Conference and Reception, 10 a.m., Ramada
April 12: Commemorative Election Reception, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., the Marmon Grand
April 16: The Harold Washington Legacy panel discussion, Chicago State University
April 19: Harold Washington’s Progressive Jobs, Economic, and Neighborhood Development Policies: Lessons Learned for the 21st Century, DePaul University
April 22: Spiritual Reflection/Faith communities across Chicagoland are encouraged to acknowledge Harold Washington during their respective services and gatherings. Reflecting on how the former mayor was an ambassador for peace in reducing violence in our communities.
April 27: Harold Washington Youth Summit 2013: Youth Celebration and Civic
Engagement Project, Northeastern Illinois University Center for Inner City Studies
April 26: Know Your Harold!, DuSable High School
April 28: Remembering Mayor Harold Washington, DuSable Museum of African-American History
April 29: Closing Celebration featuring the Chi-Lites, Harold Washington Cultural Center
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Comments welcome.
Posted on April 11, 2013