Walter Washington

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/walter-washington

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. When was Walter Washington born?April 15, 1915
2. Where was Walter Washington born?St. Louis, Missouri
3. What is the career trajectory?Extensive background in public housing administration prior to political leadership
4. Who was Walter Washington?Walter Washington was the first Black mayor of Washington D.C. and the first African American mayor of a major U.S. city. He helped lead the city and worked on housing and community development.
5. When did Walter Washington become mayor?He was appointed as mayor in 1967 and later won the first popular mayoral election in 1974 after the Home Rule Act.

Public Housing Administration: Government agencies responsible for developing and managing affordable housing programs for low-income individuals and families.
District of Columbia Home Rule Act: Federal legislation enacted in 1973 that granted Washington D.C. the authority to elect its own mayor and city council.
Federal Oversight: The authority of the federal government to supervise or control certain aspects of local government operations, particularly in the nation's capital.
Socio-economic Challenges: Difficulties related to poverty, income inequality, and access to resources that affect a community's well-being.