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Justice Graphics, Inc. Records

 Collection
Identifier: spe-a00040

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of Justice Graphics Inc.’s files about Harold Washington and other related politicians. It includes photographs, photographic negatives, photographic contact sheets, posters, bumper stickers, fliers, itineraries, and publications.

Dates

  • Creation: 1970s-1990

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Biographical / Historical

Keep Strong Publishing began in 1975 in the Uptown neighborhood on Chicago’s northeast side. It was started by progressive community activists Walter “Slim” Coleman, Helen Shiller, and others. It soon changed its name to Justice Graphics, Inc. The print shop produced periodicals such as Keep Strong Magazine and All Chicago City News, both of which Shiller edited. It also printed campaign literature and posters for progressive candidates around the city, as well as informational fliers and posters for events related to progressive causes and politicians.

In July 1985, Shiller traveled to Israel and Italy with Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, acting as his photographer. At the invitation of Chicago’s Jewish Federation, Mayor Washington led an official delegation on a six-day tour of Israel. While there, he met with a number of officials, including the mayors of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. At the end of the trip, the group spent two days in Italy, attending a papal audience and meeting with the mayors of Milan, Genoa, Bologna, Rome, and Palermo.

In 1987, with Harold Washington’s support, Shiller ran a successful race for alderman of Chicago’s 46th Ward, which includes the Uptown neighborhood. She served for six terms, from 1987 to 2011, the longest-serving female alderman as of 2016. Her career was marked by a commitment to progressive causes, notably affordable housing and police accountability. Justice Graphics, Inc., closed in 1998.

Extent

3 Linear Feet (in 6 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Keep Strong Publishing began in 1975 in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. It was started by progressive community activists Walter “Slim” Coleman, Helen Shiller and others, and soon changed its name to Justice Graphics, Inc. This collection consists of Justice Graphics Inc.’s files about Harold Washington and other related politicians. Of note is a series related to Washington's 1985 trip to Israel and Italy, accompanied by Shiller, acting as photographer.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in three series:

  • Series 1: Harold Washington’s trip to Israel, 1985 July
  • Series 2: Justice Graphics, Inc., Harold Washington Photograph Archive, 1970s-1990
  • Series 3: Printed Campaign Material, 1980s, undated

Physical Location

Materials are stored offsite and advance notice is required for use. Please request materials at least 24-hours prior to your research visit to coordinate access.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated by Helen Shiller in 2013.

Related Materials

  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Mayoral Campaign Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Pre-Mayoral Photograph Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Asian American Advisory Committee Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Central Files Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Chief of Staff Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, City Council Proceedings Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Community Services Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Development Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Finance and Administration Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Infrastructure Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Legislative Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Press Office Photographs
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Press Office Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Mayoral Records. Public Safety/Regulatory Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Videocassette Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Political Education Project Records
  • Eugene Sawyer Mayoral Records
  • Steve Askin Papers
  • Keep Strong Magazine, published by Justice Graphics, Inc., 1975-1980; 1987

Title
Guide to the Justice Graphics, Inc. Records
Status
Completed
Author
Johanna Russ, 2013 November. Updated and ingested into ArchivesSpace by Johanna Russ, 2021.
Date
2013 November
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center Repository

Contact:
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875