Harold Washington Quotes

United States, Politician
April 15, 1922 – November, 25, 1987.

Harold Lee Washington (April 15, 1922 – November 25, 1987) was an American lawyer and politician from the state of Illinois who was elected as the 41st Mayor of Chicago. Washington was noted as the first African–American to be elected as mayor of Chicago in February 1983. Washington served as mayor from April 29, 1983 until his death on November 25, 1987. Washington was also a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from January 1981 until beginning his tenure as Chicago mayor in April 1983, representing the Illinois first district. Prior to his time as a member of the House of Representatives, Washington previously served in the Illinois State Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives from 1965 until 1976.

Also known as Lawyer

Our concern is to heal. Our concern is to bring together.

Harold Washington
- Together
- Bring
- Heal
I want to be a mayor who helped, really helped.

Harold Washington
- Want
- Really
- Mayor

Affirmative action works but we're going to need to muster all our political resources if we are to keep it in place.

Harold Washington
- Political
- Action
- Place
Throughout American history many of our social gains and much of our progress toward democracy were made possible by the active intervention of the federal government.

Harold Washington
Chicago is one city. We shall work as one people for our common good and our common goals.

Harold Washington
- People
- Good
- Work
Let's not be overconfident, we still have to count the votes.

Harold Washington
That fallacy flies in the face of studies that show, every day, in every way, things are getting a little worse for America's minorities relative to the progress made by those in the top percentiles of assets and income.

Harold Washington
- America
- Day
- Progress
The third fallacy is that affirmative action doesn't work.

Harold Washington
- Work
- Action
- Third

Business as usual will not be accepted by any part of this city.

Harold Washington
- Business
- City
- Will
I am not interested in splitting the white vote.

Harold Washington
- Vote
- White
- Splitting
What is so remarkable about the success of affirmative action is that it has been accomplished despite the Justice Department and the policies of the federal government.

Harold Washington