J. Edgar Hoover was known as a man who did not take no for an answer. As a result, not many politicians had the courage to stand up to him. One D.C. politician did, however-Walter E. Washington. Washington, who died Monday, was the first elected mayor of the District and the first African-American to lead a major U.S. city. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity and respect and will be remembered as an example of what political leaders should be, although this city has not seen a leader of his caliber since.
In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Washington as mayor-commissioner of the District in 1974, making him the first African-American to lead a major U.S. city. When Congress approved home rule for the District, Washington became the city’s first elected mayor.
Washington knew his politics. He was a man who could get things done for his city and he wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed was right. During riots that followed the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., then-FBI chief Hoover wanted Washington to order the shooting of looters. Washington refused, and walked out on Hoover.
Washington’s legacy has been unmatched in the 25 years since he left office. The three mayors who have followed have been unremarkable, and many of the problems that troubled the city at the end of Washington’s term remain.
Marion Barry, who defeated Washington in 1978, became dubbed “mayor for life.” But he was too slick. Employing racial politics whenever possible and becoming embroiled in scandals which made the District the laughingstock of the nation, Barry was quite a contrast from the man who talked tough with J. Edgar Hoover, and who demanded respect from Congress and the president.
Anthony Williams, the current mayor, also falls short of the bar set by Washington. Yet another mayor plagued by scandal, Williams has failed to address many key issues. Williams refuses to discuss race in a city that is 70 percent black. While Washington was a uniting figure on the issue of race, Williams simply stays silent-perhaps an improvement from Barry, who discussed racial issues on a daily basis, but it is not an appropriate compromise.
Many District politicos and columnists believe that the continued cause for expanded home rule in the District died with Washington. “The era of home rule ended today with the passing of Walter Washington,” remarked Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the city’s non-voting member of Congress, on Monday. While this point is debatable, it is clear that Washington was one of the major forces behind the home rule movement. Even in the years following his tenure as mayor, he continued to work behind-the-scenes to support causes he felt were important to the District.
Walter E. Washington loved his city and worked hard to accomplish what he felt was needed. Perhaps most of all, he was a man who commanded respect. He knew how to play politics, but he didn’t get his hands dirty. It is unfortunate that his legacy of esteem remains an exception in D.C. politics, and not the rule.
