Genoa Washington holds a Bachelor of Science and Juris Doctor from Northwestern University, and was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1929. He spent several years in leadership roles within the Cook County Bar Association and the Chicago branch of the NAACP. Washington served in the US Army, rising from private to captain of infantry. His legislative career included work on civil rights and women's rights bills, and he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives in 1966. Washington's involvement in national and international diplomacy included serving as an alternate delegate at the Republican National Convention and the United Nations General Assembly.

Genoa Washington's political identity is marked by an intricate blend of civil rights advocacy and strategic legislative maneuvering. His support for a fair housing proposal, while acknowledging its limited scope, highlights a nuanced approach to civil rights. Washington's willingness to filibuster for minority funding and sponsor emergency appropriations for public aid reveals a calculated method to address systemic inequities. His military service and international engagement further underscore a multifaceted commitment to both domestic and global issues.