Marion Barry (Finding Aid)

Marion Barry

1936 -

Favorite Color: Burgundy

Favorite Food: Seafood

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: The Caribbean

Interview Length: 130 minutes

Interview Date(s): August 10, 2000

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Marion Barry describes his mother's personality and discusses what he knows of his family's background, mentioning that he lost touch with his father after moving from Mississippi to Memphis, Tennessee. Barry talks about his early childhood in Itta Bena, Mississippi, recalling details about the rural setting and relationship between cotton farmers and grocery store owners. Barry then describes his move to Memphis, focusing on the culture shock he experienced transitioning from a rural setting to an urban setting. He explains how he adapted to life in the city by taking up a number of odd jobs, earning small amounts of money to help his family's impoverished situation. Barry discusses his childhood personality, explaining that his involvement in activities such as Sunday school, student government, and Scouting helped him to overcome his shyness and become a leader. Barry then describes his educational experience in Memphis, mentioning his favorite teachers and subjects, and saying he received a good education Marion Barry talks about his high school days, describing how he spent leisure time with his friends. He explains that he first considered college as a senior, deciding to attend LeMoyne College in Memphis. Barry recalls his experience at LeMoyne, detailing the start of his activism, as he challenged a racist member of the College Board of Trustees. Barry's challenge won him front page newspaper headlines, and he was invited to speak at a rally at which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was featured. Barry gives a detailed description of the segregated social conditions in Memphis. Barry then describes his role in SNCC, the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which grew out of his activist work while in graduate school at Fisk University in Nashville. Barry compares SNCC's methods and philosophy with that of King's Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Barry says he admires both King and his organization, but also states that he and SNCC were less willing to accept compromise. Marion Barry gives his impression of Washington, D.C. upon his arrival in 1965. He says he spent his first years in Washington performing social work with his organization Pride Incorporated. Barry then describes his first experience with city politics, winning election to Washington's School Board, and eventually serving as the board president. Barry continues to describe his ascent in the city's government, talking about the social problems he addressed as a member of Washington's City Council from 1974-1978. He then explains how his sharp memory and mathematical skills helped him as a politician, and describes how his own view of politics changed as he went from activist to elected official. Barry digresses to tell about being shot in the chest by Hanafi Muslim radicals while a member of the City Council. Barry then details his first mayoral campaign, describing how he formed a coalition of traditionally marginalized voters to defeat the establishment. Barry explains his political philosophy of empowerment Marion Barry talks about his relationship with white voters, saying he tried to reach out to them even when faced with heavy opposition. Barry notes that his support among white voters declined over the years. He shares stories about some of the African American politicans who influenced him, focusing on Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Barry then reflects on the negative times of his term as mayor of Washington, D.C., starting with regrets he had concerning policies he did not implement. He then discusses the drug and sex scandals that pervaded his time in office, and the drug conviction that led to his resignation from office, hoping that history will remember his social achievements rather than his scandals. Barry explains that he used his time in prison to help rehabilitate his public image, which allowed him to gain re-election as mayor only three years after release. Barry talks about his retirement from the office of mayor and talks about his social work during retirement. Barry then discusses the current stat Marion Barry discusses his hopes and concerns for the black community. He says while African Americans are strong and full of vitality, the community must deal with social problems like crime and drugs. Barry cites the flight of black professionals from the inner city as another cause for concern. Barry says he cannot imagine having another career, and hopes that his legacy is inseparable from the social advancements he made as Mayor of Washington, D.C. Barry shares his thoughts on what being black means to him, and why he thinks African Americans are a unique people. He then explains his support for proposals instituting slavery reparations, and voices his support for oral history projects such as the HistoryMakers. Barry then narrates a series of photos he brought to the interview, which include images of Barry's family and Barry's time as Mayor of Washington.

83 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)