The World at Arm's Length
The story of Harold Washington, elected in 1983 as Chicago's first African-American Mayor, the political battles he fought, and his legacy to Chicago and the nation. Harold Washington was elected Chic…
The World at Arm's Length
The story of Harold Washington, elected in 1983 as Chicago's first African-American Mayor, the political battles he fought, and his legacy to Chicago and the nation. 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
The World at Arm's Length
Documentary
Film Details
The story of Harold Washington, elected in 1983 as Chicago's first African-American Mayor, the political battles he fought, and his legacy to Chicago and the nation. 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.