In honor of the late Mayor Harold Washington, for whom the main library is named, Chicago Public Library will host the Mayor Harold Washington Summit on Monday, May 9. We'll celebrate and explore the life and legacy of Mayor Washington, the city’s first African-American mayor, during the daylong summit, highlighting the ways in which Mayor Washington’s legacy continues to enrich the city.
The morning panel, moderated by journalist Art Norman, will explore Mayor Washington’s life, advocacy and work up to the time of his election as mayor of Chicago. Panelists include Cook County Clerk David Orr, Jacky Grimshaw, Eddie Read and Adam Green.
The afternoon panel, moderated by journalist Robin Robinson, will discuss the time during which he was mayor of Chicago and ways in which he influenced the direction of the city and its citizens. Panelists include Laura Washington, Rebecca Sive, Christopher Reed and Helen Shiller.
The summit will conclude with an evening keynote address by Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry, the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. She is also the executive director of the Pro Humanitate Institute and founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Center, and previously hosted a television show on MSNBC. Dr. Harris-Perry will discuss Mayor Washington’s life and times and the ways in which his legacy continues to enrich Chicago.
The Mayor Harold Washington Summit is presented in collaboration with the Mayor Harold Washington Legacy Committee, The HistoryMakers, Chicago Urban League and with the participation of scholars and writers from area colleges and universities. This program is made possible through the support of the Chicago Public Library Foundation.
This event is free and open to the public, and is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in Chicago’s history as well as its impact on present day. Registration is kindly requested. Available seating will be provided first come, first served.
