WASHINGTON — This Saturday, Washington, D.C., will witness a powerful tribute to the late Marion Barry, the city's iconic former mayor, with the unveiling of a mural that not only highlights his personal legacy but celebrates the collective achievements of the many individuals who worked alongside him. The mural, set to be revealed on the 10th anniversary of his passing, promises to be a testament to the enduring impact of Barry's leadership and the collaborative efforts that helped shape the District.
In a recent interview with WUSA9's Wisdom Martin, Cora Masters Barry, the former first lady of D.C., shared what the mural truly represents. She emphasized that the artwork is more than just a portrait of her late husband — it is a tribute to the five pillars that defined his time in office, as well as the dedicated individuals who helped bring his vision to life.
“As great as Marion was, and the things he did were so wonderful, he didn’t do it by himself, he couldn’t do it by himself,” Barry said. “The mural is about the accomplishments of the five pillars that Marion stood for and the people who worked with him.”
The mural pays tribute to the teamwork that drove the development of D.C. over the years. It highlights key figures like Carol Thompson Cole, D.C.’s first female city manager, and the team that helped bring landmarks like the Capitol Arena to life. The artwork starts from Barry's early days in the city and spans to his comeback term, reflecting the challenges and successes that marked his career.
Cora Masters Barry expressed her hope that the community would take away an understanding of the importance of history, particularly the stories of those who shaped Washington, D.C.
“History matters,” she said. “If we don’t record our history, if we don’t write about it, we don’t talk about it, the great works and the people who did them will be forgotten.”
One of the unique aspects of this mural is the involvement of Creative Junk Food, a group of young artists from Ward 8 who brought the vision to life. Lead artist Nabi Balla shared how his initial knowledge of Marion Barry was limited, but after learning more about his legacy through the project, he was deeply moved.
“When he came back he was totally moved by what he had learned about him,” Barry noted.
This transformation in perspective, Cora Masters Barry believes, is one of the most important takeaways from the project. It’s not just about honoring Marion Barry, but also about educating future generations on the power of leadership, unity, and progress.
The unveiling promises to be not only a celebration of Barry’s life but also an educational experience for the community, especially the younger generation.
“I want them to understand that history is important,” Cora Masters Barry explained. “That’s why I invited you to bring your children. The program is going to be interesting, but it’s also going to be educational.”
The mural is not just a visual tribute; it’s a reminder that progress is a collective effort. It celebrates how Barry’s vision helped many residents of D.C. build generational wealth, send their children to college, and own homes.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of Marion Barry’s passing, this mural unveiling will serve as a moment for D.C. residents to reflect on the city’s history and the enduring legacy of one of its most influential figures. Cora Masters Barry’s closing message is a call to remember and honor the past, not just for its significance, but for the lessons it holds for shaping the future.
“I’ll see you Saturday morning at 11 o’clock,” she said with a smile, inviting the community to join in this moment of remembrance and celebration. The unveiling of the mural is set to take place at 441 4th Street on Saturday.
This mural is not just about remembering Marion Barry; it’s about honoring the people who helped build the D.C. we know today—and ensuring that their contributions are never forgotten.