"A life ends, the legacy begins." -Minister Louis Farrakhan
Marion Barry died on November 23, 2014 at the age of 78. Barry's legacy is Washington DC itself. He dedicated his life to helping others, often at the neglect of his personal well being. The opportunities he created and lives that he improved will always be remembered by the thousands that were a part of his vision.
"But unlike many African American male political leaders, Barry relished being identified as representing a constituency that others avoided." -Kevin P. Chavous
Council Seat for Ward 8
Marion Barry wanted to represent the poorest neighborhood in Washington, DC. and in 2004 he was elected to Ward 8 Council. He was re-elected in 2012 and remained on the council for Ward 8 until his death in 2014.
" Indeed the legacy has begun. I’m honored beyond words to be here today to celebrate the life of our brother, our champion, our mayor, but not just a local figure, but a man who’s work was both national and international." |
“ There are no giants here that cannot be conquered in the name of God, there’s no mountain too high that we cannot climb in the name of God, if that legacy of that great man (Marion Barry) is to continue and it will then lets rise up from this hollowed ground and go back to work on the struggle of freedom justice and equality.” -Minister Louis Farrakhan (November 2014) |
"Marion is truly a man of God, whose legacy of service can not be erased by a stroke of the pen, because it is forever enshrined in the hearts of a people he served and whom he loves so much." -Cora Masters Barry
2015 DC Bill Introduced
On February 3, 2015, Vincent Orange, a DC Council member, introduced a bill that would overhaul the University of the District of Columbia, renaming it after Marion Barry and transforming it to a tuition-free community college.
"Here in the District, from Ward 8 to China town, from the east and west ends of the city, his contributions can be seen and felt." -Mayor Muriel E. Bowser
In March, 2015, Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced the creation of the 13 member DC Commission to Commemorate and Recognize the Honorable Marion S. Barry.
After forty years of public service, Marion Barry's ideas and accomplishments left behind a foundation of change and opportunity in the District of Columbia.
"The persons at the bottom of the ladder still feel the hardest lick. They are defenseless against their challenges. As they continue to wear the battle scars of many years, they show the strain of the struggle. These people, the homeless, the uneducated, ex-offenders, the unemployed, young people, seniors- just fighting against injustices are the real basis for my years in service." -Mayor Marion Barry (1998)