Harold Washington College commemorated the 100th birthday of its namesake and Chicago's first Black mayor, Harold Washington, with the installation of a mural in his honor according to a CCC News article published on Friday. The mural, which is eight feet tall and 40 feet wide, is inside the college and was painted with the support of the Student Government Association and the Harold Washington Centennial Celebration Committee. Chicago-based artist and designer Judith Mayer created the mural, which required the usage of approximately 16 colors of paint. The process took several weeks with the help of approximately 43 volunteers, including Harold Washington College students, faculty, staff, and administrative leaders.
“Mayor Harold Washington will always be remembered as one of the city’s most historic leaders and greatest organizers,” said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “The new mural at Harold Washington College will stand as a beautiful and lasting testament to Mayor Washington’s legacy. The students of Harold Washington College passing by the mural each day will come to know of his work to engage diverse communities and bring Chicago together.”
“Harold Washington College's core values closely align with the late Mayor’s vision of a unified and better Chicago, and we hope this mural captures his work in government, and his charismatic personality,” said Harold Washington College president Daniel Lopez. “He broke barriers and inspired generations to lead and that’s why we are proud that his image and the entire work of art graces the walls of our college that bears his name.”
“Mayor Harold Washington’s breathtaking 40-foot mural is complete and on behalf of our entire family, we are thrilled,” said Washington's niece Karen Stone. “The bigger-than-life tribute rivals our Uncle Harold’s altruistic personality and it is an active crowning glory to his legacy of creating a better Chicago through education and inclusivity. He was a unifier and the mural and its messages to Chicago are now more important today than ever before. The mural is also a testament to the open horizon, the possibilities, for Chicago’s up-and-coming leaders of today and tomorrow!”
Washington was a prominent and noteworthy city leader in the United States during a time when Chicago was struggling with deep racial tensions. He was elected as mayor in February 1983 and served until his death on November 25, 1987.
The painting process and full reveal of the mural can be watched here.