With a very heavy heart, I extend my appreciation to God for allowing me to be in the same time and space as the Illuminate Honorable Marion Barry.
Yes, there were challenging times, but isn't that what life is about? Standing, facing an overcoming life challenges no matter your position in life. There is no doubt about the extended heart of Mayor Barry, his Love of the District and its people, no matter your classification in the scheme of things. Was he hated because of this Love that wouldn't allow him to throw us under the Congressional bus? Yes! Was he loved because of his Love and commitment to his principles as a public servant on our behalf? A resounding Yes!!!
I recall when Newt Gingrich imposed the Control Board on DC after Mayor Barry was elected to what was his last term as Mayor. Gingrich placed the District on quarterly allotments of funds, which was an additional burden on an already challenging budget. Remember, unlike States which usually contributed 30-35% state funds to federal funding for their operations, construction projects, etc, the District had to contribute from 60-70% of funds and carry out State, County, City functions, yet we were not and still can't tax those who come here to work from outside of the District for the use of our resources. It was interesting how Mayor Barry overcame these challenges which Gingrich thought would be continued embarrassments for Marion.
Under Mayor Barry we also had economic development in the downtown area. Marion was the first major city mayor to create programs to address the HIV epidemic up front, along with a "Trainer of Trainers" program which helped to educate the masses on this disease and prevention. There were many other things/programs that Marion created/supported that were duplicated in other major cities.
Most of all was his love of the under-served, marginalize residents of our city. Have heard about many of his freely given, out-of-pocket support, or the direction of resources to aid for the desired outcome.
To the Honorable Marion Shepilov Barry, Jr, thought many would have wanted you to live in this dimension forever due to the goodness, genius and power you possessed which you used to empower all you served, God has declared that your many "bounce backs" must now come to an end, for you have served and fulfilled your purpose with faith & courage and unconditional Love beyond expectations!
It is time to rest and be restored on the spiritual plane, to which you were welcomed with open hands, the same way you welcomed all in this dimension, with an open heart! R.I.P. Job well done, appreciated and will not be forgotten!
Albrette "Gigi" Ransom
From: Eric J. Jones <ejjones.threed@gmail.com>
To: wardfive@googlegroups.com
Cc: csteptoe@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 7:27 AM
Subject: Re: [WardFive] Passing of The Honorable Marion Barry
This is truly a sad day. I was just telling my wife that before I came to bed last night around 11pm they stated that he had just been released from Howard University Hospital. To hear that he passed shortly there after is truly sad.While we didnt always agree he was truly a man of vision and pride. No matter his missteps or mistakes but he was truly visionary leader like no other. He will truly be missed.--On Nov 23, 2014 6:57 AM, <csteptoe@verizon.net> wrote:--I am sad to learn of the passing of the great scholar, civil rights warrior and D.C. Mayor-for-Life, The Honorable Marion Barry.As a student of american history, I can never look at old black civil rights footage - the dogs, hoses, beatings, bombings, lynchings - without always extending great indebtedness to the very young Marion Barry for sacrificing his doctoral studies, his career and most certainly his life - to embrace the life-threatening struggle against the murderous black apartheid/segregation and jim crow laws of our country.Thank you Marion Barry for Pride, Inc., for your strength and courage and for your humanity. I appreciate all you have done for the our city,our country and our communities. You are a man among great leadership in the national history books of America, and certainly, of course, within the hallowed halls of black life.God bless you and your son Christopher. Blessings on your soul. Rest in peace brother!Very kind regards,Carolyn C. Steptoe
Former 3-Term Ward 5 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
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