(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Former First Lady Cora Masters Barry, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH), in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS) and in collaboration with the Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation, unveiled the completed Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Murals at the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building.
“Mayor Barry taught us the importance of having a big vision, and I’m grateful for all the people in our city who are working with us every day to keep his vision alive,” said Mayor Bowser. “He also taught us what it means to be a fighter. And what we’re fighting for is the vision that Mr. Barry had – a vision centered around opportunity, justice, dignity and an unwavering belief in the power of the people.”
Since Mayor Barry’s passing 10 years ago, Mayor Bowser has worked with community and elected leaders and local organizations to honor his legacy by renaming the Summer Youth Employment Program the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program in 2015; establishing the Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Commission in 2016; unveiling his statue outside the John A. Wilson Building in 2018; dedicating the District’s One Judiciary Square building as the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building in 2020; and celebrating the renaming of Marion Barry Avenue last year.
“My husband really loved Washington, DC and its residents. The mural captures some of the major contributions he made to the City, and some of the people who worked with him to help build the City and empower its residents,” said former DC First Lady, Cora Masters Barry. “I was thrilled that so many residents and visitors were able to join us on this inspirational, entertaining, educational, and historical day, as we honored a man, Marion Barry Jr., whose legacy and love of this city was so deep and strong.”
The murals, designed by Nabeeh “Nabi” Bilal, co-founder of CreativeJunkFood, LLC, are composed of three panels titled Big Vision, Big Impact, and Big Legacy, inspired by Mayor Barry’s philosophy of pursuing “Big Dreams and Big Goals.”
The first panel, Big Vision, highlights Barry’s early years, from his roots as the son of sharecroppers in Mississippi to his role as a civil rights activist and transition into politics. The middle panel, Big Impact, focuses on his time in office, emphasizing the four pillars of his administration: support for Black-owned businesses, summer jobs for youth, programs for seniors, and leadership opportunities for women. The final panel, Big Legacy, reflects his enduring influence, showcasing his political comeback, advocacy against apartheid, support for the Million Man March, contributions to the development of the MCI Center, and his work with the DC Control Board.
“Through a thorough and comprehensive process, I believe we have chosen the best team to capture the essence of Mayor Marion Barry—his historic accomplishments and contributions—through art, technology, and display objects accessible to all ages,” said Reggie Van Lee, Chairperson, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
The murals will be protected by DGS at the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building.
“Marion Barry Jr. is an iconic figure whose work continues to positively impact District residents,” said Delano Hunter, Director, DGS. “DGS is proud to collaborate with CAH on this legacy project to ensure his contributions are remembered for generations.”
“Marion Barry is a larger-than-life figure, and we are honored to pay tribute to his legacy through this project,” said Nabeeh Bilal. “As DC natives, we grew up with him as our Mayor and recognize his pivotal role in shaping the city we know today. This project is a labor of love and gratitude to our Mayor for Life.”
About the Partners
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is the designated state arts agency for the District of Columbia, supported by District government funds and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The Department of General Services (DGS) oversees construction, building management, sustainability, and security for District-owned properties.
The Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the legacy of Mayor Marion Barry, Jr.
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