The Concept
Commissioned by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, this project includes a mural and interactive kiosk commemorating the contributions and work of Mayor Barry to the city and people of Washington D.C.
This project focuses on three key themes of Mayor Barry’s contributions to the city and people of Washington D.C.: his international presence, contemporary black leadership, and advocacy of civil rights.
International Presence
As Mayor, Barry traveled the globe from Asia to Europe to the continent of Africa. He was revered wherever he went, and forged strong, lasting bonds with seminal world leaders, kindred spirit freedom fighters — most notably, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu.
Contemporary Black Leadership
Mayor Barry was lauded in Mayoral circles as a visionary and passionate advocate for the Black middle class. He and Mayor Maynard Jackson of Atlanta, who were close allies and contemporaries, dramatically redefined the political and economic landscapes in their respective cities.
Civil Rights
Mayor Barry was an ardent civil rights activist and leader. Those with whom he advocated for a just and equal society included: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Stokely Carmichael, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Ivanhoe Donaldson.
The Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation
The Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) organization that works to advance the legacy of Mayor Marion Barry and educate the public about his contributions, kicked off this project with a proposal to the CAH and DOS. The Foundation contributed research and guidance throughout the development of the project and design of the mural and timeline.