Marion Barry knew blacks needed to become involved in politics beyond sit-ins, marches, protests, demonstrations, boycotts and voter registration. African Americans needed to be in positions of influence to develop policies and laws needed that help the community.
Board Member of DC Economic Development Committee
Marion Barry helped get funds for black owned businesses struggling after the DC riots. The riots had started around 14th and U street, NW in 1968 after M.L.K, Jr. was assassinated.
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DC School Board President
In 1971, Marion Barry was elected President of the DC School Board. At this time, DC had one of the lowest graduation rates and highest drop out rates in the nation.
As President Barry:
As President Barry:
- Reorganized school systems finances.
- Focused strictly on school issues for the benefit of the students.
- Advocated for a larger budget for education.
- Supported raises for teachers.
District Home Rule Act of 1973
Congress passed the District Home Rule Act of 1973 which allowed DC residents to vote for a mayor and 13 member council. Legislative powers were given to the District council and Executive powers to the mayor. Walter Fauntry and Congressman Charles Diggs were essential leaders in these efforts.
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Marion Barry Elected to the First City Council
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In 1973, Marion Barry became the chair of the DC Committee on Finance and Revenue. Improvements to DC include reworking the city finance and tax structure.
A year later, District voters approved Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) representing 100 neighborhoods in 8 Wards of DC. These groups were elected by residents who advised the council members on public matters. Prior to this, Federal courts and three local courts shared legal jurisdiction. Marion Barry supported tenants rights and passed anti-displacement laws, not only to prevent eviction, but to allow for home ownership. "In the mid 1970's, something special took place in Washington D.C. Low-income residents sick of evictions and wary of increasing rents, started to fight the displacement that was confronting them." -Amanda Huron (UDC Professor) |
Wards of DC and Advisory Neighborhood Committees.
(Washington Post 1974)
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First Term as Mayor, 1978-1982
Marion Barry became the second elected mayor of DC. He was sworn in by US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first black Supreme Court Justice who was appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. At 42 years old, Barry was one of the youngest mayors to lead a major city.
- Opened city government to those who had been excluded. (Senior citizens, the poor, gays, blacks and other minorities)
- Opened the Minority Business Opportunity Center which listed minority owned companies for government contracting. At this time white businesses controlled 97% of government contracts in DC.
- Created summer jobs programs which employed high school aged minorities.
- Expanded Pride, Inc. programs to local universities such as American, GW and Howard, providing youth leadership training.
- Placed thousands of African Americans in mid-level government jobs previously held by whites.
- Appointed women to top management positions previously held by white men.
- Fought for completion of Metro Green Line crossing Anacostia River into SE DC.
Discussion Panel: Marion Barry, D.C. Emancipator, April 16th, 2015
Bernard Demczuk Ph.D, Assistant Vice President for District Relations, George Washington University.
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