Justice Graphics, Inc. Records
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.
- 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
Harold Washington Library Center, 9th Floor
Chicago Public Library
400 S. State Street
Chicago IL 60605 United States
(312) 747-4875
specoll@chipublib.org