News of Marion Barry's death at age 78 this morning, Nov. 23, according to CNN, has been met with mixed reactions. He clearly was the most-talked-about and influential politician in the history of the District of Columbia, but not always for the best reasons. Barry's four mayoral terms and years of service on the D.C. Council ultimately became secondary to one scandalous event that landed him in federal prison for six months.
Back in 1990, FBI agents burst into a hotel room where Barry had just lit up a crack pipe with a younger woman after years of reportedly investigating the mayor's involvement with known drug dealers. Barry insisted it was a set-up, and while jurors ultimately deadlocked on most charges, he was convicted on one count that put him behind bars.
Barry had been dubbed D.C.'s "Mayor for Life" and proved it by winning his final term as mayor after being released from prison. While his brand of politics was often thought to be shady, he remains a hero because of his commitment to those in low-income areas.
Berry died shortly after midnight at United Medical Center after collapsing at his home. Ironically enough, Barry had just been released from Howard University Hospital Saturday.
Overnight, Barry's family issued the following statement, according to The Washington Post:
"It is with deep regret that the family of former four-time D.C. Mayor and Ward 8 City Councilman Marion S. Barry Jr. announces that he has passed. Mr. Barry transitioned at approximately 12 midnight on November 23, 2014, at the United Medical Center after having been released from Howard University Hospital on Saturday, November 22, 2014. Mr. Barry released his autobiography Mayor for Life: The Incredible Story of Marion Barry Jr. in June 2014. He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Cora Masters Barry, and his only child, son Marion Christopher Barry."
What are your thoughts on the legacy of Barry? Did his personal issues outshine the good political work he did for D.C.? Commnt below.
