Community Checkup

I didn’t live in Chicago during the time he was mayor, but since I am now a resident, it is only right for me to give props to Harold Washington, one of the first black mayors of a major U.S. city (Chicago’s very first). Sunday was the 20th anniversary of his death, but his influence is lasting in Chicago and in others he has inspired such as Obama.

If you haven’t heard of him, you’d most likely enjoy learning a bit about him whether you live in the Chi or not. He was definitely a different kind of politician–refreshingly so. Here are a few remembrances to check out:

- A great radio story from Chicago Public Radio
- A short story from NPR
- A Chicago-Sun article

It would be great to hear from some Chicago natives who were around when he was in office.