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Leadership and Legacy: Marion Barry's Impact on the District

Come prepared to examine the enduring lessons of leadership, resilience, and community advocacy embodied in the life of Marion Barry.

Join us for an enlightening symposium as we delve into the transformative legacy of Marion Barry, a towering figure in American urban politics. This DC Public Library program will critically explore Barry's contributions, challenges, and enduring impact on Washington, D.C., and beyond.

The symposium will feature celebrated author Omar Tyree, whose works illuminate the complexities of urban life, and distinguished journalist Henry Jaffe, renowned for his incisive political reporting. Together, they will offer perspectives on Barry's multifaceted life—from his early activism to his influential yet controversial tenure as “Mayor for Life” of Washington, D.C.

This event is a must-attend for scholars, students, and community members interested in urban studies, political science, and African American history. A moderated discussion will follow the presentations, providing an opportunity for robust dialogue and audience engagement.

For reasonable accommodations, please contact the Center for Accessibility at 202-727-2142 or DCPLaccess@dc.gov. For ASL or tactile interpretation, please allow at least seven (7) days notice.

About Omar Tyree

Omar Tyree is a New York Times bestselling author, NAACP Image Award winner, and professional journalist from Howard University, who has written fiction and nonfiction, hard news and op-eds, screenplays and stage plays, and many other forms of writing. He is also an excellent lecturer and has been invited to speak at more than eighty American colleges and universities. His present and ongoing goals include developing, writing, and publishing great literary content, as well as adapting and producing exceptional films, music, and educational events worldwide.

About Harry Jaffe

Harry Jaffe is the co-founder and president of SpotlightDC: Capital City Fund for Investigative Journalism, a nonprofit that supports accountability reporting in the nation’s capital city (spotlightdc.org).

Jaffe was the National Editor for Washingtonian Magazine from 1990 to 2015. His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Politico, Yahoo News, The Guardian, Men’s Health, The Washington Post, Harpers, Esquire and other publications. He’s at work on a number of book projects and his first novel. He is a Contributing Editor at Washingtonian.

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