Former mayor Harold Washington honored with new mural

Harold Washington mural
A new mural paying tribute to Harold Washington was unveiled Thursday in downtown Chicago. Photo credit AnnMarie Welser

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In honor of the anniversary of Harold Washington being elected Chicago's first black mayor 40 years ago this week, hundreds gathered at the college at 70 E. Lake St., for the unveiling of the mural.

Public servants, university officials and Washington’s family members were among those who came out for the event.

“The bigger than life tribute rivals our Uncle Harold’s altruistic personality and it is an active crowning glory to his legacy of creating a better Chicago through education and inclusivity,” Washington’s niece, Karen Stone, said in a press release prior to the event. “He was a unifier and the mural and its messages to Chicago are now more important today than ever before.”

Sybil Madison, Mayor Lori Lightfoot's chief of staff, said Lightfoot “has always recognized, and acknowledges, that she stands on the shoulders of a giant.”

“It has been her honor to lead in his legacy,” she said.

Many others who worked with and campaigned for Washington spoke, and then, it was time for the unveiling. The mural is 8 feet tall and 40 feet wide.

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Harold Washington
Photo credit City Colleges of Chicago
City Colleges of Chicago
Photo credit City Colleges of Chicago
Featured Image Photo Credit: AnnMarie Welser