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Justice Graphics, Inc. Records

Descriptive Summary

Repository
Special Collections Unit at Harold Washington Library Center
Title
Justice Graphics, Inc. Records
Source
Shiller, Helen
Identifier
spe.a00040
Size
3 Linear Feet in 6 boxes
Dates
1970s-1990
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.
Storage 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.
Language
English.

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.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The collection was donated by Helen Shiller in 2013.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open without restrictions.

Preferred Citation

When quoting material from this collection the preferred citation is: Justice Graphics, Inc. Collection, [Box #, Folder #], Special Collections, Chicago Public Library

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.

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

Related Materials

  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Mayoral Campaign Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Pre-Mayoral Photograph Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Asian American Advisory Committee Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Central Files Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Chief of Staff Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, City Council Proceedings Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Community Services Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Development Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Finance and Administration Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Infrastructure Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Legislative Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Press Office Photographs
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Press Office Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Mayoral Records. Public Safety/Regulatory Sub-Cabinet Records
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Videocassette Collection
  • Harold Washington Archives & Collections, Political Education Project Records
  • Eugene Sawyer Mayoral Records
  • Steve Askin Papers
  • The Municipal Reference Library on the 5th floor of Chicago Public Library's Harold Washington Library Center holds a run of Keep Strong Magazine, published by Justice Graphics, Inc., 1975-1980; 1987.

Conditions Governing Use

Please consult staff to determine ability to reuse materials from collection.

Indexed Terms

Inventory

Series 1: Harold Washington's trip to Israel
1985 July
Scope and Contents

Included in this series is background reading material on Israel, itineraries for the trip, and a small pamphlet published by Justice Graphics after the trip, written and featuring photos by Helen Shiller. Also appearing in this series are hundreds of photographic contact sheets and negatives for images provided by Helen Shiller from the archives of Justice Graphics.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically.

Box 1
Folder 1
Title
Background binder for Israel trip (1 of 2)
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Box 1
Folder 2
Title
Background binder for Israel trip (2 of 2)
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Box 1
Folder 3
Title
Background reading on Israel (1 of 3)
Dates
circa 1985
Box 1
Folder 4
Title
Background reading on Israel (2 of 3)
Dates
circa 1985
Box 1
Folder 5
Title
Background reading on Israel (3 of 3)
Dates
circa 1985
Box 1
Folder 6
Title
Israel trip contact sheets (1 of 2)
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Box 1
Folder 7
Title
Israel trip contact sheets (2 of 2)
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Box 1
Folder 8
Title
Israel trip itineraries, notes and business cards
Dates
1985
Box 1
Folder 9
Title
Pamphlet, "Mayor Harold Washington's Six Day Visit to Israel," with photos and text by Helen Shiller
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Box 2
Folder 1-54
Title
54 folders of photographic negatives from the Israel trip
Dates
1985 July 10-16
Series 2: Justice Graphics, Inc., Harold Washington Photograph Archive
1970s-1990
Scope and Contents

This series is comprised of hundreds of photographic prints of Harold Washington and related events and people kept by Justice Graphics, Inc. The photos are arranged alphabetically, according to original categories assigned by Justice Graphics, and include images sent from the mayor's press office.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically.

Box 3
Folder 1
Title
Favorite Son slates for 1984 Democratic Convention
Dates
1984
Box 3
Folder 2
Title
Good Health Place
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 3
Title
HS Sanctions Resolution [folder titled by Justice Graphics employees]
Dates
1990 February
Box 3
Folder 4
Title
Mayor's Press Office
Dates
1985-1986
Box 3
Folder 5
Title
Mayor's Press Office: Budget hearings
Dates
1985
Box 3
Folder 6
Title
Mayor's Press Office: Politics
Dates
1985-1986
Box 3
Folder 7
Title
Mayor's Press Office: "South Shore Country Club" [folder titled by Justice Graphics employees]
Dates
1985 March 3
Box 3
Folder 8
Title
Mayor's Press Office: Speaks [speaking engagements]
Dates
1986
Box 3
Folder 9
Title
Mayor's Press Office: With the people
Dates
1985
Box 3
Folder 10
Title
Mayor's Press Office: With reformers
Dates
circa 1985
Box 3
Folder 11
Title
Mayor's Press Office: Women's Commission
Dates
1986
Box 3
Folder 12
Title
Mayoral Appointees
Dates
circa 1985
Box 3
Folder 13
Title
North west side
Dates
circa 1985
Box 3
Folder 14
Title
People Organized for Welfare and Employment Rights (P.O.W.E.R.)
Dates
1982 Summer
Box 3
Folder 15
Title
Politics (1 of 2)
Dates
1982, undated
Box 3
Folder 16
Title
Politics (2 of 2)
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 17
Title
Pre-Mayoral
Dates
1977-1983, undated
Box 3
Folder 18
Title
Publicity shots
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 19
Title
Rallies
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 20
Title
REAL Democrats
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 21
Title
Remap
Dates
undated
Box 3
Folder 22
Title
Right to Service forums
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 1
Title
Solo shots
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 2
Title
South Africa protests
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 3
Title
Southwest Community Congress
Dates
circa 1984
Box 4
Folder 4
Title
Speaks [speaking engagements] (1 of 2)
Dates
circa 1985
Box 4
Folder 5
Title
Speaks [speaking engagements] (2 of 2)
Dates
circa 1985
Box 4
Folder 6
Title
With the people (1 of 2)
Dates
1983, undated
Box 4
Folder 7
Title
With the people (2 of 2)
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 8
Title
With politicians, department heads (1 of 2)
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 9
Title
With politicians, department heads (2 of 2)
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 10
Title
With reformers
Dates
circa 1985
Box 4
Folder 11
Title
Unidentified (1 of 2)
Dates
undated
Box 4
Folder 12
Title
Unidentified (2 of 2)
Dates
undated
Series 3: Printed Campaign Material
1980s, undated
Scope and Contents

This series consists of posters, fliers, and other pieces of literature from the campaigns and events of various Chicago politicians, including Harold Washington, printed by Justice Graphics, Inc.

Arrangement

Files are arranged alphabetically.

Box 5
Folder 1
Title
Various events, programs, and literature
Dates
1986-1988, undated
Box 5
Folder 2
Title
Ward newspapers (7, 17, 49)
Dates
1986-1987
Box 5
Folder 3
Title
Butler, Jerry campaign literature
Dates
circa 1985
Box 5
Folder 4
Title
Chevere, Gloria campaign literature
Dates
circa 1985
Box 5
Folder 5
Title
Davis, Monique campaign literature
Dates
1986
Box 5
Folder 6
Title
Evans, Timothy campaign literature
Dates
circa 1985
Box 5
Folder 7
Title
Gutierrez, Luis campaign literature
Dates
1987-1988, undated
Box 5
Folder 8
Title
Hayes, Charles campaign literature
Dates
1986
Box 5
Folder 9
Title
Jackson, Jesse campaign literature
Dates
1988
Box 5
Folder 10
Title
Kelly, Charles (Chuck) campaign literature
Dates
circa 1988
Box 5
Folder 11
Title
Mallette, Mercedes campaign literature
Dates
circa 1986
Box 5
Folder 12
Title
Miller, Jesse campaign literature
Dates
circa 1985
Box 5
Folder 13
Title
Rico, Emma Lozano campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 5
Folder 14
Title
Shiller, Helen campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 5
Folder 15
Title
Siegel, Paul campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 5
Folder 16
Title
Tillman, Dorothy campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 5
Folder 17
Title
Velazquez, Juan campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 5
Folder 18
Title
Washington, Harold campaign literature
Dates
1983-1986
Box 5
Folder 19
Title
Waterhouse, Paul campaign literature
Dates
undated
Box 6
Folder 1
Title
Campaign literature print proofs
Dates
undated
Box 6
Folder 2
Title
Campaign posters: Marlene Carter, Timothy Evans, Raymond Figueroa
Dates
undated
Box 6
Folder 3
Title
Campaign posters: Luis Gutierrez, Charles Kelly, Helen Shiller
Dates
undated
Box 6
Folder 4
Title
Campaign posters: Harold Washington
Dates
1980s
Box 6
Folder 5
Title
Posters: general publication ads and events
Dates
undated
Box 6
Folder 6
Title
Photographs (4 unidentified oversized prints)
Dates
undated