WASHINGTON (AP) — Marion Barry’s new memoir seeks to recast the former District of Columbia mayor as a civil rights icon while denying or explaining away the controversies that marked his four decades in politics.
The Washington Post (http://wapo.st/1jtrhlK ) reports that Barry’s autobiography comes out Tuesday. It’s titled, “Mayor for Life: The Incredible Story of Marion Barry, Jr.”
The 78-year-old Barry served four terms as mayor. His first three terms ended after a 1990 drug bust at a downtown hotel. He portrays that incident as a sideshow, rooted in his efforts to upend white political and economic privilege.
Barry acknowledges he was fueled by power, attraction, alcohol, sex, and drugs, but hesitates to say he was out of control.
Barry was elected mayor again in 1994. He currently serves on the D.C. Council.
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Information from: The Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com
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