Iola McGowan (Finding Aid)

Iola McGowan

1936 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Spaghetti

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Interview Length: 113 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 11, 2003, July 11, 2002

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Civil servant Iola McGowan discusses family--including stories of her ancestors and details of changes in her family life. McGowan expresses a fondness for her childhood environs on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois. She then recalls her school years and describes her early occupational interests. Civil servant Iola McGowan discusses her experiences as a student at Northeastern Illinois University. McGowan discusses her beginnings in civic organizing and Chicago, Illinois politics. She details her political involvement around the death of Mayor Richard J. Daley, 1976. McGowan begins to discuss her appointment as Vice President of the Chicago Park District. Civil servant Iola McGowan continues to discuss her tenure with the Chicago Park District. McGowan discusses Chicago mayoral politics in 1983 and concomitant tensions in Chicago's black communities. McGowan discusses her own political campaign for alderwoman in 1983 and again in 1987, as well as her appointment to the Illinois State Central Committee. She considers the problems facing Chicago's predominantly black West Side community. And she discusses her own plans for the future. Civil servant Iola McGowan shares her concerns for the black community. McGowan considers her legacy and how she would like to be remembered. She also discusses her parents' responses to her long career in Chicago, Illinois politics. McGowan details her heart ailment and the altered lifestyle that followed. Iola McGowan presents photographs and other media of highlights in her educational and political careers. Civil servant Iola McGowan presents photographs of family life and highlights in her political career.

47 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)