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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-139
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
December 1, 2015
To recognize and honor the legacy of Marion Barry, Jr., whose life is a testament to public service.
WHEREAS, the Honorable Marion Barry, Jr. passed away on November 23, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, activism, and advocacy that has made a positive impact on the District of Columbia and its residents, and has improved the quality of life in the District;
WHEREAS, in 1960, at 24 years of age, Mayor Barry became the first chairman of the nationally recognized civil-rights group Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (“SNCC”);
WHEREAS, in 1965, Mayor Barry relocated to Washington, D.C. to open a SNCC office;
WHEREAS, in 1967, Mayor Barry, Mary Treadwell, Rufus "Catfish" Mayfield, and Carrol Harvey co-founded Pride, Inc., a federally funded job training program for unemployed black and Hispanic men;
WHEREAS, in 1971, Mayor Barry joined forces with presidentially appointed Mayor Walter Washington and Rev. Walter Fauntroy to lead the famous “Free DC Movement” for home rule, winning the support of Congress and the President;
WHEREAS, in 1979, Mayor Barry established the District’s Summer Youth Employment Program, which has created jobs for hundreds of thousands of District residents;
WHEREAS, Mayor Barry’s programs helped provide summer jobs for youths, home-buying assistance for working-class residents, and food for senior citizens;
WHEREAS, Mayor Barry’s lifetime commitment to public service included serving as president of the District of Columbia School Board, serving on the Council of the District of Columbia for 15 years, and serving for 16 years as Mayor of the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, Mayor Barry is rightfully credited with changing the District’s political landscape in the final quarter of the 20th century, not only serving 4 terms as Mayor but also serving for 15 years on the Council of the District of Columbia; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Barry was a spirited and fearless advocate for the poor and disadvantaged and leaves a legacy of love that will never be forgotten by the residents of the District of Columbia.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Marion Barry, Jr. Legacy Recognition Resolution of 2015”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the legacy of Marion Barry, Jr. for his love and dedication to the citizens of Washington, D.C., his nearly 50 years of outstanding contribution and invaluable service to the District of Columbia, and his lasting presence on the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take into effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Registrar.
