Last week's episode of NPR's This American Life was completely devoted to the story of Harold Washington, Chicago's first (and so far only) black mayor, first elected in 1983. Washington died just seven months into his second term, Nov. 25, 1987.
Now, on the 20th anniversary of his death, This American Life takes a look at the struggles Washington overcame to get elected, as well as his impact on American politics of the past two decades -- including another certain black Chicagoan.
It's a great episode of This American Life, and really interesting. You can listen to it for free.
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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