Harold Washington was a visible opponent of the political machine, better known as the “Daley machine”. Many people are aware of Harold’s position as Chicago’s first Black Mayor, but few know the story behind this political giant’s rise to power.

From the time of his birth on the Southside of Chicago in 1922, young Harold was set for a career in politics. Harold’s father, Roy Washington, Sr. was a Democratic precinct captain, largely responsible for garnering Black Democratic voters. Exposed to politics early on, young Harold was assisting his father by the time he became 14.

Harold dropped out of high school sometime between his junior and senior years, due to lack of interest. Roy, Sr. lobbied to get Harold a position in the US Treasury office. At the age of 19, Washington married a local girl named Dorothy. Several months later, he was drafted into the Air Force, earning his diploma between missions. Then in 1945, Washington enrolled in Roosevelt University, where he was elected senior class president after four years.

In 1952, Harold graduated from Northwestern University’s law school and started practicing law with his father, also a former law student. The elder Washington’s office was located across the hall from Ralph Metcalfe’s office. As a ward committeeman and alderman, Metcalfe was also a prominent black politician. Following the death of Washington’s father, Metcalfe mentored Harold, offering him a prosecutor position, as well as the precinct captain position vacated by his late father.

Soon after these appointments, Washington discovered his love for politics. He later became Metcalfe’s ward secretary, and assisted in building the Third Ward into a powerful organization. In 1963, this Third Ward was very instrumental in the re-election of the late Mayor Daley.

Under the mayoral leadership of Richard J. Daley, the Democratic Party wielded enormous political control. The “Daley machine” was largely responsible for awarding employment to loyal politicians like Washington. The “machine”, which reigned in Chicago from Daley’s election in 1955 until his death in 1976, was able to garner the black vote by overseeing black causes such as housing projects, welfare organizations and numerous churches. Into this arena came Harold Washington, whose mayoral election was viewed by many blacks as a symbol of hope.

In 1964, Washington was elected to Illinois’ House of Representatives; it was during this time that Washington began to vote against the politics of the “Daley machine’. Washington organized the first black caucus; he gave eloquent speeches, in which he proposed fair housing and consumer rights. He also spoke out against police brutality aimed at blacks.

By 1977, Washington was elected to the Senate where he served for three years. After, Reagan’s presidential election in 1980, Washington continued to fight against injustice, opposing cuts in social service and increased funding for the government’s military programs. Additionally, the fight to extend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was led by Harold.

Washington truly enjoyed his Congressional term and would have stayed there permanently had not Black Chicagoan’s intervened. Tired of “politics as usual” from then Mayor Jane Byrne, Chicago’s black politicians formed a coalition to have Washington run for mayor in the Democratic primary in 1983. Black churches and campaign workers soon began recruiting the black vote resulting in thousands of increased voters.

In April, 1983, Harold Washington was successfully elected as Chicago’s first Black Mayor, winning 99% of the Black vote and 80% of the Hispanic vote. During his first term as mayor, Washington was forced to fight the existing government policies. These fights, better known as “Council Wars”, were led by Alderman Ed Vrdolyak, Finance Chair Edmund Burke, and Park Commissioner Edmund Kelly. The “wars” were characterized by the refusal of powerful white Democrats to relinquish their power to Washington. Washington fought back by vetoing bills put before him by the council.

Despite the “Council Wars”, Washington was able to legislate some important milestones. He vetoed patronage employment, reduced the budget deficit by laying off 700 workers, sponsored economic development in neighborhoods, and fought hiring discrimination against minorities. Thus, in the areas of employment, housing and other vital issues, Harold secured equality for all ethnic groups.

However, by 1986, the negative effects of the “Council Wars” began to be reflected in Harold’s health and behavior. In addition to working too hard, he overate and rarely got a good night’s sleep. Consequently, he became excessively heavy and ill-tempered. His personal life suffered, and he became inefficient, failing to pay his taxes, and neglecting his clients.

In April, 1987’s general election, Washington was re-elected as Mayor, earning 99.6% of the Black vote. Washington’s subsequent victory speech included a line where he vowed to be mayor for 20 years. Unfortunately, however, in November of that same year, Washington succumbed to heart failure.

Washington’s companion of 20 years was Mary Ella Smith (he had divorced Dorothy several years before). Although he proposed to Smith in 1983, she never took him seriously. She later said, “politics was Washington’s first love, so marriage would have to wait.” “ But I wasn’t concerned; I knew the day would come”, Smith concluded. Nevertheless, Smith proved to be a very devoted companion; always at Washington’s side during his rallies, campaign drives and victory celebrations. A great encouragement to Washington, Smith gave new meaning to the term, “stand by your man”. In essence, she remained loyal to the end.

Following Washington’s death, speculations about the cause began to circulate immediately. Citing the negative effects of the “Council Wars”, many of Harold’s supporters suspected “foul play”. However, the coroner ruled this out, saying that Washington’s deteriorating health, characterized by high cholesterol levels and an enlarged heart were responsible for this death.

In honor of the late mayor, Chicago’s Main Public Library, located in the loop has been named for him, so is the former Loop College. Additionally, the Harold Washington Cultural Center was established in August of 2004 in Chicago’s Bronzeville area. And, finally, a park across from Washington’s residence has been named Harold Washington Park.