ABC7 celebrates legacy of Chicago’s 1st African-American mayor, Harold Washington

ABC7 Eyewitness Information Anchors Cheryl Burton and Alan Krashesky host “Harold Washington: Life and Legacy,” a half-hour particular airing Sunday, April 10, at 11 p.m. on ABC 7 Chicago. The particular will likely be streamed on the ABC 7 Chicago Information app and abc7chicago.com in addition to ABC 7’s linked TV apps on Amazon Hearth TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku.

Born, raised and educated within the Windy Metropolis, Harold Washington was a real Chicago authentic who looms giant within the metropolis’s historical past. Because the one hundredth anniversary of his birthday approaches, ABC7 takes a close-up take a look at the enigmatic and charismatic man whose election broke limitations and who labored to make Chicago a extra inclusive metropolis. The particular will showcase never-before-told tales from Washington’s longtime mates and fellow politicians. ABC7 additionally chronicles the previous mayor’s

humble beginnings, political profession and connection to the neighborhood whereas additionally shining a light-weight on present efforts to uphold his legacy.

Featured interviews embody Josie Childs, pal and former aide to Harold Washington and head of the Harold Washington Legacy Committee; U.S. Consultant Chuy Garcia; Marilyn Katz, political strategist; Laura Washington, deputy press secretary for Harold Washington and ABC7 political analyst; and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

ABC 7 Eyewitness Information anchor Cheryl Burton mentioned, “Being a Chicago native who grew up on the South Facet, voting for Herald Washington was an act of delight. I keep in mind being in school and taking the Greyhound bus residence to solid my vote. When the primary Black mayor of my metropolis was elected, I used to be not solely impressed however felt a profound sense of dignity that was infused with the idea that something was attainable. To have the ability to witness historical past and be part of it was a life-changing occasion.”

“Mayor Harold Washington’s election and tenure marked a pivotal second in Chicago historical past. It shook the long-established energy construction of metropolis governance,” mentioned ABC 7 Eyewitness Information anchor Alan Krashesky. “As a information reporter, Mayor Washington was each a pleasure and a problem to cowl – by no means timid towards adversaries – at all times fast with a phrase, with an excellent thoughts. It might be argued that with out Mayor Washington, there wouldn’t have been a Senator Carol Moseley Braun or a President Barack Obama. His legacy continues via the lives of many Chicagoans to at the present time.”