SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson unveiled a new portrait of the city’s only Black mayor on Wednesday afternoon.
Jim Chase was in the city’s highest office over 40 years ago and the signs of his impact can still be found around Spokane. A few examples of his legacy include Chase Middle School, The Chase Youth Commission, and the Chase Gallery at City Hall where his portrait will be unveiled.
In 1981, Mayor Chase was elected by a whopping 62% margin. KREM 2 uncovered video after Chase won the election where he said, “I didn’t think I would get 62 percent of the vote.” Chase proved to be a popular mayor instituting programs like the 1% for art which not only put art in city buildings but lives on in the Chase Art Gallery.
KREM 2 ran a long story on Mayor Chase earlier this year. Watch it here.
The portrait ceremony took place on Wednesday afternoon and welcomed many community members.