Celebrate Mayor Harold Washington: A Living Legacy

Every April 15, we celebrate the birth anniversary of Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago's first African-American mayor and the namesake of CPL's central library, Harold Washington Library Center. 

We had an exciting event planned this year, but while we're all staying at home, we are pleased to bring you the video and audio parts of our program, curated by Sylvia Ewing, and in collaboration with the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, The HistoryMakers, Chicago Urban League and local scholars, with generous support from the Chicago Public Library Foundation

First, enjoy Harold Washington: A Living Legacy, produced by Matthew Ewing.

Next, listen to a special bonus podcast from AirGo, interviewing young people on Harold Washington's legacy.

Our thanks to Sylvia Ewing and everyone who worked on this celebration.

Want to learn even more? Explore Harold Washington in a variety of ways at CPL, including Harold Washington archives; the digital exhibit Remembering Harold Washington and blog posts from our staff