Harold Washington Library

HAROLD WASHINGTON, 1922-1987 
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Harold Washington was elected Chicago's first African American Mayor 
on April 12, 1983. He brought together a coalition of Chicagoans 
that spanned economic, social and racial lines. 

Or his legacy, he said: I hope someday to be remembered by history 
as the Mayor who cared about people and who was, above all, fair.

The Harold Washington Library Center was dedicated in his honor in 1997 
in keeping with his steadfast belief in education and love of reading. 
the Library is open to all to read, learn and discover.