Punch 9 for Harold Washington (2021)

Harold Washington was elected Chicago's first African-American mayor in 1983, narrowly overcoming a Republican opponent who's campaign slogan was "Before It's Too Late." Once elected, the normally docile Chicago City Council rebelled. A virtually all-white majority bloc refused to pass any legislation or approve any appointments. This standoff, known as "The Council Wars," lasted for almost three years. During this time, a young community activist named Barack Obama was inspired, in part, by Chicago's new mayor to make the city his home. Mayor Washington prevailed in the Council Wars and won re-election in 1987, only to die at his desk six months later. Why did Washington face such intransigent resistance? How did he overcome it? How did Chicago change as a result? What lessons can we learn from him today? —Julie Englander