"I wanted to do much more than lobby the government; the promise in DC was too great to pass up. I saw great promise in the city. It was like a calling and I was ready to answer the call." -Marion Barry
Free DC Movement
In 1966, Marion Barry led the "Free DC Movement" which supported home rule for the District. At this time, Congress appointed government officials in DC and the residents were not able to elect the candidates into office. Through this organization Barry led a bus boycott to protest fare increases, which greatly affected the black residents.
"He lived and walked the community. He was a big part of my life." -Ronald Edons, Anacostia High School Student Body President.
Pride, Inc.
In 1967, Marion Barry cofounded Pride, Inc., a nonprofit organization funded by the Department of Labor to provide job training to unemployed black men. Educating the community was the main focus of Pride, Inc.
- Employed over one thousand high school drop outs.
- Provided skill training for youth, adults as well as ex-convicts unable to find jobs.
- Gained support of US Secretary of Labor, Willard Wirtz, who awarded $300,000 to employ youth for the summer.
- Upon the summer youth success, awarded $2.2 million and $3.8 million in following years.
- Required youth to open bank accounts at Industrial Bank of Washington to learn how to manage and save money.
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Marion Barry was a leader in early education.
"He really did promote equitable treatment for low-income kids." -Mary Levy, Education advocate from Ward 3
United Planning Organization (UPO)
Through this anti-poverty organization, Marion Barry created a partnership with the DC government, the labor department and American University to offer opportunities to black residents of DC. Also, he organized Giant food donations to the poor.