As the 10th anniversary of the Nov. 25, 1987, death of Harold Washington approaches, I am dismayed by the lack of events scheduled to commemorate his death and his life. Sporadic announcements in the major mainstream papers are all I have seen.
The City of Chicago should have begun planning for this anniversary a year ago, with banners, fanfare and many festivities over the whole month of November. Harold Washington had an influence on this city that is still felt deeply today. He understood that the diversity of cultures in Chicago, working for Chicago, was the way that Chicago would survive and grow.
His passion for the office he served in for so short a time was translated into real progress. More women and more people of color were hired and promoted during his tenure than ever before, and community people from all over the city were given hope that Chicago could really work.
Let’s truly celebrate the life of Harold Washington in the way he would have loved. Bring out the blue campaign buttons and wear them proudly during this time of remembrance. What better way to honor a man who cared so much for this city and who gave his life to make it work.
