Richard G. Hatcher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard G. Hatcher
16th Mayor of Gary
In office January 1, 1968 – January 1, 1988
Preceded by	A. Martin Katz
Succeeded by	Thomas V. Barnes
38th President of the United States Conference of Mayors
In office 1980–1981
Preceded by	Richard Carver
Succeeded by	Helen Boosalis
Personal details
Born	Richard Gordon Hatcher (1933-07-10)July 10, 1933 Michigan City, Indiana, U.S.
Died	December 13, 2019(2019-12-13) (aged 86) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	Ragen Hatcher (daughter)
Education	Indiana University (BS) Valparaiso University (LLB, JD)

Richard Gordon Hatcher (July 10, 1933 – December 13, 2019) was an American lawyer and politician. He made history as the first African-American mayor of Gary, Indiana. He served in this role for 20 years, from 1968 to 1988.

When he was first elected in 1967, Hatcher and Carl Stokes were the first African-Americans to become mayors of a large U.S. city. This was a big step forward for civil rights. Hatcher also held an important position as Vice-Chairman of the Democratic National Committee in the early 1980s.

Early Life and Education

Richard Hatcher was born in Michigan City, Indiana. He went to Indiana University and earned a degree in business and government.

Later, he studied law at Valparaiso University School of Law. He received his law degree in 1959.

Political Career

After finishing his studies, Richard Hatcher moved to Gary, Indiana. He started his career as a lawyer.

In 1961, he became a lawyer for Lake County, Indiana. Then, in 1963, he was elected to Gary's City Council. He quickly became the president of the City Council in his very first term. This was a unique achievement in Gary's history.

Becoming Mayor of Gary

In 1967, Hatcher decided to run for mayor. He challenged the current mayor, Martin Katz, in the Democratic primary election. Hatcher won this election by a small number of votes.

The local political group wanted to choose key city leaders, but Hatcher refused. Despite this, Hatcher worked hard to gain support. He won the November election by a small margin, becoming mayor.

Leading Gary

Richard Hatcher became mayor of Gary in 1968 and served until 1987. During his time as mayor, he became well-known around the world. He was a strong voice for civil rights.

Hatcher was known for finding new ways to solve city problems. He spoke out for civil rights, minority groups, and people in need. He often gave speeches with famous leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson.

His time in office was challenging. The city council did not always agree with him. However, Hatcher worked to reduce illegal activities in the city.

Gary faced tough times as its main industry, steel production, began to decline. This led to fewer jobs and a smaller population. Despite these challenges, Hatcher worked to improve the city.

Challenges and Efforts

In his first term, Mayor Hatcher made the city's police force much larger. This was part of his effort to improve safety.

In 1971, Hatcher tried to expand Gary's city limits by adding the nearby area of Merrillville, Indiana. This would have given Gary more land for growth. However, state lawmakers passed a special rule that allowed Merrillville to become its own town. After this, many businesses moved from downtown Gary to Merrillville. This caused Gary to lose many jobs and tax money.

Hatcher played a key role in bringing the 1972 National Black Political Convention to Gary. This was a big event for civil rights leaders.

He also served as president of the United States Conference of Mayors from 1980 to 1981. In 1984, Hatcher was the chairman for Jesse Jackson's presidential campaign. He also served as Vice-Chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

Hatcher tried to help Gary's economy. He worked to expand the Gary/Chicago International Airport. He also helped build the Genesis Convention Center and a Holiday Inn hotel. He secured millions of dollars from the government for housing and job training programs. Even with his efforts, Gary continued to face economic difficulties.

Later Life

After leaving office in 1988, Hatcher started his own consulting company. He also taught at Harvard Kennedy School and Roosevelt University.

In 1991, he became a professor at Valparaiso University. He even taught a law course at Cambridge University in England in 1996. He later taught at Indiana University Northwest.

In 1991, Hatcher tried to become mayor of Gary again but was not successful.

Personal Life

Richard Hatcher's daughter, Ragen Hatcher, followed in his footsteps. She is a member of the Indiana House of Representatives.

Hatcher passed away in Chicago on December 13, 2019, at the age of 86.

Images for kids

• 

  Richard Hatcher in 1967.