Washington, DC, 11/23/2014 – Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and convener, Black Women’s Roundtable, released the following statement regarding the passing of former Washington DC Mayor and current Ward 8 Councilman, Marion Barry, Jr.:
“On behalf of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Black Women’s Roundtable and Black Youth Vote!, we express our deep condolences to the Barry Family in the passing of The Honorable Marion Barry, Jr. in the city of Washington, DC that he loved so much. Marion Barry truly epitomized what public service is all about. He lived a life of service dedicated to the least, the lost and the left out.
“He was a visionary leader who changed the lives of thousands of young people through his summer jobs program, opened contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, worked to ensure seniors could retire with dignity, and so much more.
“Marion also devoted his life to civil rights and social justice for all people. The spiritual, ‘May the Works I’ve Done Speak For Me’ exemplifies the life of Marion Barry, Jr. Marion maximized his life’s dash as a servant leader from birth to death.
“Marion, you will always be remembered as ‘Mayor for Life’ because you never stopped fighting for and loving the people that you served in Washington, DC and across the nation.
“Servant leader of the people, rest in peace.”
