Harold Washington takes on a city rife with corruption and discrimination to be elected Chicago’s first African-American mayor in 1983. Chicago filmmaker Joe Winston will be on hand to introduce the film and answer questions.

An epic story of American politics, race, and triumph against all odds, that chronicles the captivating rise, surprising reign, and enduring legacy of Chicago’s first Black Mayor, Harold Washington. In one of the dirtiest political campaigns in American history, in a city rife with corruption and discrimination, Harold Washington took on the machine and won. “Punch 9” features candid interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Vice Mayor Richard Mell, Valarie Jarrett, David Axelrod, and others on the front lines and in the backrooms of power as it follows the charismatic politician’s shrewd maneuverings, stinging betrayals, and unlikely victories. This inspiring and compelling documentary reminds us that we sure could use a man like Harold Washington today.

This event is sponsored by the Department of Political Science, Williams Honors College, Bliss Institute for Applied Politics, University of Akron School of Law, Black Law Students Association, The Institute for Leadership Advancement in the College of Business, School of Communication, and the Department of History.

This event is part of The University of Akron’s Rethinking Race event series, a two-week forum of events focused on facilitating “courageous conversations designed to promote inclusive excellence” regarding race and race-related issues. Thank you to our Rethinking Race sponsors the County of Summit ADM Board, Mercury Plastics, Goodyear, FirstEnergy Foundation, FedEx Custom Critical, Alpha Phi Alpha Foundation of Akron, Ilene Shapiro’s Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, the Akron Community Foundation, the City of Akron, Philip and Paulette Thompson, and Dr. Sheldon Wrice.