Washington City Paper: Contents for Sep. 10

The Resurrection of Marion Barry
In just three years after his public disgrace, Marion Barry is redeeming himself as Ward 8's councilmember. Back to his roots in the lower-income black community, Barry is galvanizing the long-ignored ward and rebuilding his political foundation.

Cover Story

On Alabama Avenue and Randle Place SE, in the heart of Ward 8, five middle-age men sit at the old Congress Heights School playground talking about their new councilmember, Marion Barry. All are speaking at once. One is calmly repeating, “He just got in there. You've got to give him a chance.” Another is cursing the “white motherfuckers” who brought Barry down in 1990.

Ronnie Hainsworth's voice rises above the din. Hainsworth looks to be in his late 40s and, like the other men, came here this morning to register at a Ward 8 job fair.

“When it's time for him to get things together, he gets it together,” Hainsworth says. The others nod. “He was resurrected. He was given a second chance, and he's on the road back.”

Both Hainsworth and another man, who calls himself Zapp, worked in Barry's Pride Inc. program in the late '60s. “He's trying to see if he can come in and do something,” Zapp says. “He's trying to make it better for all of us.” Zapp, a 38-year resident of Ward 8, continues: “He's a person who's lived in the community, been involved in the community....People feel a kinship to him. He's like family.”

Further up Alabama Avenue, other constituents of the new councilmember gratefully welcome his return. Maria Wallace, a young grandmother, stands outside her church, next to a bricked-up project, and tells stories of how Councilmember Barry has already arranged the repair of her public housing complex and helped her get the food stamps she needs.... Continued

Issue of Sep. 10 - 16, 1993

News and Features

The Resurrection of Marion Barry
In just three years after his public disgrace, Marion Barry is redeeming himself as Ward 8's councilmember. Back to his roots in the lower-income black community, Barry is galvanizing the long-ignored ward and rebuilding his political foundation.
Cover Story By David Plotz
Cops 'n' Ravers
Feature By Bill Gifford
A Monumental Disappointment
Let Us Now Pay Tribute to Valiant Memorial Proposals That Died in Vain
The City By Brigid Schulte
Energetic Action
The Mail By Lewis L. Smith
AIDSploitation
The Mail By Hank Carde
Readers Guide to AIDS
The Mail By Glenn White
Safety First
The Mail By Michael F. Colosi
Dave Rave
The Mail By Myles Glasgow
Details, Details
The Mail By David A. Clarke