Harold Washington

Harold Lee Washington (April 15, 1922 – November 25, 1987) was an American lawyer and politician. He became the first African-American Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1983 until his death in 1987. The Harold Washington Library is named after him.

Harold Washington
51st Mayor of Chicago
In office April 29, 1983 – November 25, 1987
Preceded by	Jane Byrne
Succeeded by	David Orr (acting)
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 1st district
In office January 3, 1981 – April 30, 1983
Preceded by	Bennett Stewart
Succeeded by	Charles A. Hayes
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 26th district
In office May 7, 1977 – November 20, 1980
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 26th district
In office March 22, 1965 – August 8, 1976
Personal details
Born	Harold Lee Washington (1922-04-15)April 15, 1922 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	November 25, 1987(1987-11-25) (aged 65) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place	Oak Woods Cemetery
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Dorothy Finch (m. 1942; div. 1950)
Domestic partner	Mary Ella Smith (1967–1987)
Education	Roosevelt University (BA) Northwestern University (JD)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1942–1945
Rank	First Sergeant
Unit	United States Army Air Corps United States Army Air Forces
Battles/wars	World War II  • South Pacific  • Central Pacific

Washington was born on April 15, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois. He studied at Roosevelt College and at Northwestern University School of Law.

He was married to Nancy Dorothy Finch from 1942 until they divorced in 1950. Then he was engaged to Mary Ella Smith until his death in 1987.

Washington died suddenly on November 25, 1987 in Chicago City Hall from a heart attack, aged 65.

Harold Washington Media

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  Washington holds a press conference for his 1983 campaign at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on December 13, 1982.

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  Harold Washington speaking at the commissioning of USS Chicago (SSN-721), September 1986.

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  Washington mausoleum at Oak Woods Cemetery

Other websites

• "The Legacy of Chicago's Harold Washington", Cheryl Corley, All Things Considered, November 23, 2007. Accessed November 23, 2007.
• Harold Washington on the Legacy of Richard J. Daley
• A Latino Resource Archived 2012-10-25 at the Wayback Machine
• Harold Washington at Find a Grave