You're Invited- 1978 Marion Barry Mayoral Campaign Archive Debut this Monday

COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

OFFICE OF COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS

 

Media Release:
June 2, 2017
(202) 724-8064

 

   Councilmember Anita Bonds to Host the Debut of the
1978 Marion Barry Mayoral Campaign Oral History Archive on Monday.

WASHINGTON, DC –Councilmember At-Large Anita Bonds will host the debut of the online oral history archive of Marion Barry’s 1978 campaign for Mayor, an ambitious production by key members of Barry’s initial DC Mayoral campaign.

On Monday, June 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the John Wilson District Building, an assemblage of campaign staff, volunteers, and supporters will pay tribute to Mayor Barry’s historical achievement on becoming one of the most influential black elected officials in American history. The oral history archive will be housed at George Washington University’s Gelman Library. The program will include a demonstration of how to access the archive online.

In announcing the event, Councilmember Bonds, who served as the Deputy Director of the 1978 campaign noted that, “In addition to publicizing the project, I join those who created the archive in encouraging present and former elected officials of the DC government to undertake similar oral history projects. Memories of too many colleagues, friends, and community leaders fade away without reference in modern times to the indelible impact they leave on our great city. The recollections of others who played a role in critical events in the evolution of home rule and the political history of the District of Columbia must not be lost.”

The archive currently consists of video interviews of 33 individuals who worked in the historic campaign or wrote exclusively about it as members of the Washington, DC Press Corps. Today, interviews continue to be gathered and it is expected that ultimately over 50 will available in the archive. The creation of the archive was spearheaded by Barry supporters Julius Hobson, Jr., Betty King, Diane Lewis, Gladys Mack, Richard Maulsby and Dr. Thornell Page.  Journalists Kwame Holman and Tom Sherwood also assisted with the project.

The general public and media are welcome to attend.

1978 Marion Barry for Mayor Oral History Archive Debut

Monday, June 5, 2017

11:00 a.m.

John A. Wilson District Building

1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW

Mayor’s Press Room, G-9

Washington, DC 20004