Washington in the 80s

How Marion Barry Transformed Black Political Power in DC

The election of 1982 represented an important milestone in the political journey of iconic DC Mayor Marion Barry and an important chapter in DC political history. As his first term drew to a close, voters had the opportunity to assess his performance since his election in 1978. Barry recognized the political need to shift his base to the Black community.

How Marion Barry Transformed Black Political Power in DC

3m 15s

  • Washington in the 80s: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Washington in the 80s

    58m 21s

    It was the decade of Reagan and Barry, the Wall and the Quilt, Go-Go and DC punk, the Air Florida crash and crack, a golden age for local media and sports. WETA explores the 1980s with firsthand accounts from notable Washingtonians including Marion Barry, Carol Schwartz, Maureen Bunyan, Kojo Nnamdi, Pat Buchanan, Arch Campbell and Joe Gibbs.

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