From Harold's ‘Refrigerettes’ cheer to the parking meter deal, new recordings reveal iconic Council moments

Source WBEZ
Original Load Date Feb. 5, 2026, 12:01 p.m.
Last Updated Feb. 5, 2026, 12:01 p.m.
Original URL https://www.wbez.org/city-hall/2026/02/05/city-clerk-anna-valencia-audio-archives-chicago-city-council-history-harold-washington-refrigerettes-parking-meter-deal-richard-daley-bears

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Forty years ago, the Bears were marching toward their only Super Bowl championship after shutting out the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game at Soldier Field. Then-Mayor Harold Washington invited to the Jan. 16, 1986 City Council meeting the “Refrigerettes,” a cheerleading squad celebrat...