Today, we honor the life and legacy of Harold Washington on what would have been his 100th birthday. As Chicago’s first Black Mayor, he boldly challenged the status quo by demanding equity for all residents, and set Chicago on the path to becoming the great city it is today.

Mayor Washington took on the the political machine and made government work for people who had been underserved for generations. Here are just a few examples of his powerful legacy:

• He made Chicago a welcoming city by giving all residents, regardless of nationality or citizenship status, fair and equal access to City services, benefits, and opportunities.

• He opened up City contracts to women and minority-owned businesses to help address the long-standing, socioeconomic impacts of racial and gender discrimination.

• He established an ethics code for administration employees to put an end to the use of public office for personal gain.

In short, Mayor Washington made City government more transparent, ethical, and diverse. I am thankful to be a living reflection of his legacy; without his work, I would not have the opportunity to fight for Chicago as the city's first Black woman and openly gay Mayor.

I hope to continue guiding Chicago on the path blazed by Washington by ensuring all Chicagoans experience impactful progressive reform.

Thank you,