On this week’s episode of the Chicago Stories Podcast, Mayor Emanuel was joined by one of Mayor Harold Washington’s top aides, Jacky Grimshaw, to mark the 30^th anniversary of his death and look back on the life and legacy of Chicago’s transformative leader.

“Harold Washington was a trailblazer, visionary and voice for the voiceless who broke barriers, built bridges and never gave in to the cynics or skeptics,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Mayor Washington’s indelible legacy lives on not only across the Chicago streets, schools, and parks that bear his name, but in the inspiration and idealism he instilled in generations of Chicagoans. Three decades after his untimely passing Chicago remains eternally grateful to a leader who proudly fought for justice, equity and a brighter future for every resident in every community in Chicago."

During his tenure Mayor Washington erased the budget deficit and improved housing for low-income residents, after-school programs for students, community relations with police and much more. 

But in the end, Mayor Washington's greatest legacy was fairness and creating a more inclusive city for every resident.

"Harold will be remembered for fairness. He preached fairness," Grimshaw said. "Everything he did was about how we move the city forward in away that was inclusive--that didn't meaningfully leave people out."

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts at http://bit.ly/ChiStories.

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