Walter Edward Washington, attorney and politician, was born in Dawson, Georgia, on April 15, 1915 to Willie Mae and William L. Washington. After his mother’s death in 1921, Washington moved with his father to Jamestown, New York. Washington excelled academically and athletically in the public school. His trumpeting skills in school also earned him the nickname Duke II. In 1934, he enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Washington earned his B.A. degree in 1938 and his law degree from the same institution in 1948. While attending law school, Washington met and married Benetta Bullock.
Following law school, Washington was employed as a supervisor for the District of Columbia’s Alley Dwelling Project. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy named Washington the executive director the National Capitol Housing Authority, becoming the first African American to hold that position.
Washington received national recognition for his managerial efficiency and success in public housing. In 1966, New York City Mayor John V. Lindsey appointed Washington as chair of the New York Housing Authority. A year later, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Washington as the first African American mayor-commissioner of a major city, Washington, D.C. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968, Washington’s leadership lessened severity of the riots that ensued.
During his tenure as mayor, Washington implemented a model of using private businesses to fund public ventures. He also integrated the higher ranks of the D.C. police department. This initiative led to the hiring of the District’s first African American police chief. Washington also advocated and received home rule for the District. This political achievement gave residents the right to vote for their leadership in 1973 and following year residents elected him to the office of mayor.
Political colleagues and his constituents also praised Washington for his work ethic and ability to reach out to the people of the District of Columbia.
