Right Panel — Marion Barry Legacy Project

The right panel of the mural highlights Mayor Marion Barry’s legacy — through his political comeback, the Free South Africa Movement against apartheid, the Million Man March, the MCI Center Arena, and the D.C. Control Board — and his key allies. Meant to inspire, the panel title, “Big Legacy,” refers to a quote from Mayor Barry that says in order to achieve great things, one must have “Big Dreams and Big Goals.” Click on an image in this mural panel to learn more about it.

This mural was designed by the CreativeJunkFood artist team led by Nabeeh Bilal. Photos provided courtesy of the Marion Barry Jr. Legacy Foundation, DC Public Library, and the Library of Congress.

BIG LEGACY

Mayor Marion Barry and Raymone Bain

Bain became Mayor Barry’s spokesperson in 1991 and served as his Press Secretary during his fourth term as Mayor. She was his publicist until his passing in 2014.

Mayor Marion Barry and Dorothy Height

Mayor Barry and civil rights leader Height at the National Black Family Reunion. The event started in 1986 to “reinforce the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black family."

President Bill Clinton, Christopher Barry (Barry’s son), and Mayor Marion Barry

The crowd at the Million Man March with a pin from the event

The Million Man March was held in October 1995. African American men convened on the National Mall with the goal of promoting unity, responsibility, and accountability among Black men. Mayor Barry was a keynote speaker and a key supporter of the event. His wife, Cora Masters Barry, played a pivotal role in organizing and garnering support for the historic event.

Desmond Tutu and Mayor Marion Barry

As Mayor, Barry traveled the globe and forged strong, lasting bonds with seminal world leaders and kindred spirit freedom fighters — including Bishop Desmond Tutu, a key ally in the Free South Africa Movement.

Mayor Marion Barry and Abe Pollin at the groundbreaking for the MCI arena

Abe Pollin, who owned the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, signed an agreement in 1995 to build the arena in Downtown Washington D.C. The MCI Arena, which opened in 1997, transformed the 7th Street Corridor and helped revitalize the area.

Four of Mayors Washington D.C.

Mayor Barry, Walter Washington, Sharon Pratt Kelly, and Anthony Williams. This photo represents the first four mayors to hold office since the District of Columbia Home Rule Act allowed for District residents to elect their own mayor.

Mayor Marion Barry at the swearing in for his fourth term

Mayor Barry was sworn in as Mayor of Washington D.C. for the fourth time in 1996 by Judge Eugene Hamilton with Cora Barry, Mayor Barry’s wife, beside him.

Michael C. Rogers served as Mayor Barry's City Manager from 1995-1998.

Mayor Marion Barry and D.C. City Manager Michael C. Rogers

Barry speaks after winning election for Ward 8 Council seat

Mayor Marion Barry spoke after being elected D.C. City Councilmember for Ward 8 in 1992. This victory marked the beginning of his historic political comeback.

Mayor Marion Barry and Vincent Gray

Gray served as Mayor of Washington D.C. from 2011 to 2015.

Mayor Marion Barry, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Andrew Brimmer

This photo references the D.C. Control Board that was assembled to control Washington D.C.’s finances.

Mayor Marion Barry with Nelson Mandela

As Mayor, Barry traveled the globe and forged strong, lasting bonds with seminal world leaders and kindred spirit freedom fighters — including Nelson Mandela, a key ally in the Free South Africa Movement.

Mayor Marion Barry and Mayor Muriel Bowser

Mayor Bowser, a mentee of Mayor Barry’s, was first elected Mayor of Washington D.C. in 2015. Mayor Barry’s legacy and impact continues through those he mentored.

This photo shows Mayor Barry with three of the men who stood by him during his most challenging times – Reverend Willie Wilson of Union Temple Baptist Church, D.C. City Manager Michael C. Rogers, and Chief of Staff Barry Campbell.

Mayor Marion Barry with Rev. Willie Wilson, Michael C. Rogers, and Barry Campbell.