is a Democrat dedicated to public service. Living by the motto, “always fighting for the people,” Mr. Barry is truly a courageous fighter that delivers results for his constituents. Born on March 6, 1936, in Leflore County, Mississippi, Mr. Barry would enter the world during a time of intense struggle and civil unrest. Mississippi, a founding member of the Confederate States of America, was a swor
n son of southern doctrine committed to disregard interferences or legislation that threatens their way of life. Just north of Tallahatchie County, Jim Crow laws thrived disenfranchising African Americans robbing them of assets and the vote. It is under this racial pressure that the Barry family would leave Leflore County, MS for Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Barry was four years old. Courageous Leadership
As a youth, he would excel in his learning. Barry graduated from high school a member of the National Honor Society in 1954. He entered LeMoyne College in Memphis, TN where he pledged Alpha Phi Alpha, played basketball and became involved in student government. Barry joined the civil rights movement organizing, leading and speaking at demonstrations in Memphis, TN. In 1960, Mr. Barry led an effort to desegregate buses and public libraries. He would be arrested for loitering but never deterred. His commitment would take him back to Mississippi to orchestrate several voter registration drives. Barry graduated from Fisk University with a Masters in organic chemistry. In Nashville, TN, Mr. Barry would become part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s efforts to organize black students in the south. The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was formed and Marion Barry would serve as its first chairman. Barry would additionally serve SNCC as an organizer and fundraiser for the Friends of SNCC. He would move to Washington, D.C. in 1965. Career of Service
Marion Barry began his service to the District of Columbia in 1971. He was elected to the city's first school board after the U.S. Congress granting D.C. the right to hold its own elections. His leadership would be tested when a gay, white teacher at McKinley Tech would be threaten with removal because of his sexual orientation. Barry refused to allow this to happen. Barry won a seat on the D.C. City Council in 1974, and was named chairman of the Finance Committee. While serving as a member of the Council, Mr. Barry spearheaded the movement to require that all contracts considered by the District government for services, supplies, and development include a mandatory 35 percent participation for minority owned businesses. He was reelected to the City Council in 1976, and two years later, became D.C.'s second Mayor, serving for three terms. Among his accomplishments as Mayor:
- Directing department heads to comply fully with the 35 percent goal of minority participation;
- Significantly increasing the number of contracts awarded to qualified African American and Latino businesses;
- Creating the District Youth’s Employment Act of 1979 guaranteeing a summer job to every young person who resided in the District;
- Steadfast advocate for economic inclusion on behalf of African Americans, women, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders. In 1992, Barry returned to D.C. politics by winning a seat on the City Council representing Ward 8. He made history in 1994 by winning a landslide victory returning to the Mayoral seat. Barry retired from politics in 1998, but decided to return as Ward 8 City Council representative. Today, Mr. Barry continues to serve his beloved Ward 8 family. Marion S. has not only served Ward 8 and the District of Columbia meritoriously but he has served the nation.
