Mayor Marion Barry Jr. was a man of the people. He was comfortable on a neighbor’s back porch or in the corridors of power. Throughout his astounding political career, he touched the lives of so many. Barry was an international figure who carried the message of human and civil rights where he went. Barry led the way for the new generation of black mayors across the nation demonstrating that with vision and tenacity their cities and residents could prosper.

While Barry met with presidents, celebrities, world leaders, religious authorities, corporate executives, his was a unwavering message of leveling the playing field, of hope, prosperity and economic and social justice. Barry never lost sight of his mission to serve others.