Punch 9 for Harold Washington: Pre and Post Screening Q&A at Doc Films (2-6-2024)
Witness a riveting Q&A Session at the University of Chicago that followed the screening of a new documentary on Mayor Harold Washington.
Witness a riveting Q&A Session at the University of Chicago that followed the screening of a new documentary on Mayor Harold Washington.
Why and how did an integrated college in a segregated city start in downtown Chicago just as World War II was ending? In 1984 an independent documentary filmmaker, Jeff Spitz, found old pictures and film footage about Roosevelt University including a magazine article that referred to the school as “The Roosevelt Experiment.”
Tapping the memories of former students who crossed the color line, particularly Blacks and Jews, the film blends archival images and interviews into an exploration of race, racial quotas and democratic ideals. Former students recall being questioned during an anti-communist investigation that targeted their school.
Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, a former student council president, shares poignant memories of getting into political
arguments in the cafeteria. He called it an “insane but interesting place.”
Shortly after the film’s release Spitz returned to City Hall to interview Mayor Washington about fairness, diversity and clashing visions of government. Mayor Washington’s additional commentary appears at the end of the video.
Several reports on the 1983 Chicago mayoral election by Carol Marin and produced by Don Moseley.
Footage of outdoor festivals and gatherings sponsored by Mayor Harold Washington’s office and featuring some of his public appearances.
Footage of Rev. Jesse Jackson campaigning for Harold Washington during his 1983 campaign for Mayor of Chicago.
Loosely constructed footage following the sudden death of Chicago’s Mayor Harold Washington in 1987, including his funeral procession and funeral service.
A compilation of 1982-3 news stories about Harold Washington and the race for Chicago mayor.