Harold Washington made history by becoming the first African American mayor of the city of Chicago, receiving 51 percent of the vote. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Washington held several political offices prior to becoming mayor, including: member of the Illinois House of Representatives, 1965–1976; member of the Illinois Senate, 1976–1980; member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 1980–83. Shortly after winning re-election to a second term in 1987, Mayor Washington died suddenly of a heart attack.
As Mayor, Washington is remembered for rebuilding Chicago's neighborhoods, rescuing the city from financial troubles, and opening city government to full citizen participation.
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