History Made in Gary, Indiana

Karen Freeman-Wilson takes the podium for her acceptance speech during her election party at the Genesis Center in Gary, Ind. Tuesday November 8, 2011. With her victory, Freeman-Wilson has become the first female mayor of Gary. | Stephanie Dowell for Sun-Times Media

Last night, Democratic candidate Karen Freeman-Wilson won the mayoral election in my neighboring town of Gary, Indiana, making her the city's first female mayor in its 106-year history. Freeman-Wilson, 51, handily won with 86% of the vote.

Making history came easy Tuesday for Democrat Karen Freeman-Wilson who now faces the tougher challenge of resurrecting a city ravaged by crime, corruption and lost tax dollars.

Voters overwhelmingly elected Freeman-Wilson, 51, [daughter of a steelworker and community activist, valedictorian of her Roosevelt High class, and graduate of Harvard Law School,] as the city's first woman mayor in its 106-year history.

"It's an honor to make history, any way you make it," said Freeman-Wilson shortly before she met supporters at the Genesis Center. "You can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Now, the real work begins."

Rock on Mayor-Elect Freeman-Wilson.