Richard Hatcher
Richard Gordon Hatcher 1933 - 2019
Richard Hatcher was the first Black elected mayor of a major U.S. city. Following his trailblazing election in 1967, Hatcher went on to serve the citizens of Gary, Indiana, for twenty years. He later served as vice-chairman of the Democratic National Committee, but his influence was most felt in Gary.
In describing his 1967 victory, Hatcher expressed appreciation for the Black residents, who comprised more than half of Gary’s 175,000 population. Hatcher noted the unity and motivation among the Black electorate. With the other candidates splitting the majority of the white vote, a pathway was opened for a Black candidate to win.
To win the first election, Hatcher overcame sabotage within his own party. After securing the Democratic nomination, Hatcher informed the party that he would not allow them to select Gary’s police chief, city attorney, or other high profile positions in his administration. The Democratic Party chair retaliated by not only refusing to campaign for Hatcher but actively assisting the Republican opponent, Joseph Radigan.
Hatcher recognizing the racial animus influencing the Democratic retribution led him to run full-page ads in the New York Times and Gary Post-Tribune. “Richard Hatcher is battling bigotry and ignorance. And he needs your help,” was the message on all ads. The bluntness of these ads saved Hatcher’s campaign. They enabled him to raise a quarter-million dollars and receive invitations for television and radio interviews.
Hatcher was rewarded for not abandoning his principles and forever believing in the promise of Gary. During his inauguration speech, Hatcher shared part of his vision for the city:
“Gary is a rising sun. Together, we shall beat away; together, we shall turn darkness into light, despair into hope, and promise into progress.”
*Note: While Hatcher was the first elected Black mayor of a major U.S. city, Carl Stokes was the first to serve (His term began days before Hatcher)
