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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-79
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
June 26, 2013
To recognize the talent, spirit, and dedication of District-based artist Mingering Mike, whose works will be presented in the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2015.
WHEREAS, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (“Smithsonian”) recently acquired selected works by Mingering Mike, a native of the Southeast quadrant of the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, the Smithsonian describes his collection as, “well over 100 pieces of musical ephemera made between 1965 and 1979 by a self-taught Washington, DC artist who has consistently chosen to conceal his true identity”;
WHEREAS, although the Smithsonian noted that Mingering Mike subsequently lost his work during the 1980s, the works were rediscovered at a District of Columbia flea market in 2004 by Dori Hadar, a music advocate;
WHEREAS, Mingering Mike was greatly influenced by African American music artists such as Marvin Gaye, and based his work on the dream of one day becoming a famous music artist;
WHEREAS, in a March 1, 2013, Washington Post article chronicling Mingering Mike’s work, writer Katherine Boyle explained that: “His works illustrate much about African American culture in Washington at the height of the civil rights movement. Those nuances were woven in fantasy, and for that, he has a real fan club, which includes international record collectors, musicians such as David Byrne and the Smithsonian American Art Museum”;
WHEREAS, Mingering Mike recently created unique and fascinating portraits of all 13 members of the Council of District of Columbia serving in Council Period 20;
WHEREAS, Mingering Mike is an inspiration for rising artists of all ages in the District who have a desire to enrich our city with an abundance of culture and history; and
WHEREAS, despite Mingering Mike’s desire for ultimate discretion in revealing his true identity, he has become a shining example of audacious talent and determination.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Mingering Mike Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia hereby recognizes and honors Mingering Mike for his outstanding and invaluable service to the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
