Had Harold Washington lived he would have been 99 years old on April 15th. The Harold Washington Legacy Committee, led, by Ms. Josie Childs, recognized his birthday this year with a Zoom call with many of those who were members of his administration on April 15th. Childs is determined that the city not forget Harold and puts on events to memorialize him. The Zoom “Remember Harold” birthday celebration was for a couple of hours.
Many told personal stories of how Washington influenced their lives and encouraged them to go into public office. Alderman Leslie Hairston was a college student who came into public service because of Mayor Washington. Shanell Richie was communications director at the Park District and Harold changed her life. Jacky Grimshaw said her work with Harold was her best job. And of course, Barack Obama was a college student in New York and as he observed politics, he had a watchful eye on Chicago appreciating Harold’s path. I think the real sign of greatness is your impact on others. Harold had an impact on real lives in real-time.
Harold was the 51st Mayor of Chicago and of course, he made history as the first African American to win the seat. His was a grass-root campaign that produced the power and unity of the African American community. He changed Chicago politics. His campaign became a movement that delivered “Here’s Harold.” He unseated Jane Byrne, who was Chicago’s first female mayor. He won over, Richard M. Daley, who eventually became Chicago’s 54th Mayor with 22 years, of service as the longest tenure in Chicago mayoral history. The political trio had historic campaigns and reigns.
People remember Harold as the mayor but before assuming the seat on April 29, 1983, he was a legislator. He was a home-grown Chicago politician who knew machine politics and independent politics. He worked in the office of Congressman Ralph Metcalfe, the former Olympic champion in the then 3rd Ward. He organized the Young Democrats and the organization pushed for resolutions that would have positive effects on the Black community. From that organization, many Chicago Black political leaders were developed. His work here would establish him as a political master at the most basic grassroots level.
Having served in the Illinois State Senator and the House of Representatives, from 1965 to 1976, for 11 years, Harold then went to Congress, representing Illinois First District from 1981 to 1983. He made history as a state representative, as he introduced a bill to make Illinois the first state to celebrate and declare Dr. King’s birthday an official state holiday. He was quite the legislator and it served him well in years to come.
I think in this day of pandemic, turmoil and uncertainty it would do us well to reflect and retrospectively to look at not just Harold the man, but Harold the political animal and what his leadership dynamics accomplished.
1. Harold’s leadership was inclusive, innovative and responsible. He included all of Chicago in his administration. He was a consensus builder. He provided all a seat at the table.
2. He opened government up to all via positions and contracts. He recognized talent and built a team. He was a team builder.
3. He listened to his constituency for good and bold ideas. Sasha Dalton, for example, while on her way to Broadway with a theatrical performance, casually suggested to Harold the gospel festival, which became the world’s largest and she also suggested to Harold the Interfaith Breakfast for the city to celebrate King’s birthday. He adopted both ideas and asked Sasha to head both. She was a friendly citizen with program ideas that the Mayor heard and implemented. (Sasha is writing a book about this experience, soon to be released)
(4) Harold was innovative, he insisted that city contracts be awarded to African American vendors with 30 percent participation across the board.
(5) Harold loved youth and made sure he took time at every opportunity to recognize and be involved with them. He encouraged reading and education. He would stop and ask children what they wanted to be, when they grew up. And no matter the answer, he would tell them to be Mayor.
(6) Harold was an avid reader. It is important that leaders read. Harold was always ready to talk about a good book from a best seller to a classic. He was quick to ask you what are you reading or to tell you what he was reading so that you could discuss it.
(7) Harold was not afraid to tread unfriendly territory. During one of his campaigns, he went into an unfriendly, obviously racist neighborhood with Vice President Mondale only to be cursed and stoned. He returned to dance the Polka with some of the church ladies. He couldn’t resist the human factor.
(8) Harold was unashamedly Black with slave ancestry and did not hesitate to discuss America’s racism, chapter, and verse with vivid examples.
(9) Harold challenged his staff to be aggressive but to listen to the citizens. When he put the city budget together, for example, he held open meetings in various communities for discussion and input. He listened.
(10) Harold was a community organizer. He knew the various communities, he visited, and he knew the people. He was a part of Chicago’s Black community from the business sector to the politicians, to the clergy and he was not afraid to be involved. He knew what was wanted and needed, He was wise.
(11) Harold embraced leadership. He knew his role as a leader. He borrowed from his experience as a lawyer and as a legislator. He was not afraid of a good fight as he tore down racist perceptions and opened opportunities. But he didn’t fight to fight, he fought strategically.
(12) Harold did not forget those who helped him be mayor. He assisted people in all quarters, friend and foe, and held all accountable as he functioned l with practicality on a historical stage, where he realized many were watching and that he was regulating a standard.
