Machine Made

In this tour de force, Shepsu Aakhu explores the memories of Chuck Bowen, a “machine made” public servant who rose to prominence in the Democratic Party of the 1950s and who now in his mid-90’s continues to have the ear of the powerful. Covering his entrance into the party during the same period as Harold Washington, Chuck’s story covers the intersection of policing, organized crime, the policy racket, housing and urban development, the patronage system and the uneasy bargains that helped to define a century of life in this city. Through his unique perspective we glimpse the epic moments of his life and that of Chicago with humor, warmth, wisdom, and an honesty that only a political insider can provide.