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Chicago's Mayor Richard J. Daley

The Man, His Times, and the City He Loved

Historian Jim Gibbons will present the life of the man referred to as “Hizzoner,” Mayor Richard J. Daley--a man of vision, courage, and dreams for a great city.

Richard J. Daley was born in Bridgeport on Chicago’s South Side in a working-class Irish neighborhood where he lived his entire life. Later, he moved into politics eventually becoming the legendary Mayor of Chicago for 21 years and the Cook County Democratic Central Committee Chairman for 23 years. He held both positions until his death on December 20, 1976. Daley played a major role in Democratic politics supporting both John F. Kennedy in the 1960 Presidential Election and Hubert Humphrey in 1968. He faced major challenges--the decline of the major cities; the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement; the 1968 rioting in the aftermath of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; the 1968 Democratic National Convention; and the Vietnam War protesters.

Historian Jim Gibbons will present the life of the man referred to as “Hizzoner,” Mayor Richard J. Daley--a man of vision, courage, and dreams for a great city. Through his legacy today, Chicago has an extensive expressway system; one of the world’s busiest airports, O’Hare International Airport; a major convention center, McCormick Place; and legendary buildings such as the Hancock Center, Willis Tower (formerly The Sears Tower), and Marina City. Chicago, under his administration, was called “The City that Works!” For better or for worse, Mayor Richard J. Daley set the measuring stick. To this day, people are still remarking, “You know this never would have happened when Richard J. Daley was alive!”

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