Former Washington, D.C., mayor and current Ward 8 councilmember Marion Barry Jr. used the Fourth of July and a famous speech by Frederick Douglas as a starting point for an epic Twitter tirade about freedom and the lack of statehood for the District.
“So before you grab that hot dog to celebrate someone else’s freedom you should know that as a DC resident you are NOT,” Barry tweeted in an online soliloquy that lasted more than 45 minutes, characterizing Washington, D.C., as “colonized.”
Below is Barry’s digital polemic in full.
If you are a DC resident, no matter your race, Frederick Douglass from Ward 8, is speaking to YOU this morning. READ: http://t.co/IZLLSNo8uy
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
There’s been a long line of freedom fighters for democracy in DC but a longer line of those who oppose it. Where do YOU stand?
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
So before you grab that hot dog to celebrate someone else’s freedom you should know that as a DC resident you are NOT.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
When will we,as DC residents,be able 2 celebrate a true Independence Day? Answer:WHEN WE DEMAND IT – POWER CONCEDES NOTHING WITHOUT DEMAND.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Frederick Douglass is my favorite DC hero. He was a strong black man who rejected servitude and racism. He stood up when others shut up.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Please read this July 4th speech.Commit yourself 2 STAND UP 4 DC statehood-for yourself or for someone u know in DC. http://t.co/IZLLSNo8uy
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Democracy in DC should not depend on race or political party. It is an American ideal that has forsaken us. http://t.co/SDFlTkN8wP
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
We live comfortable lives compared to Douglass. He escaped slavery, taught himself how to read and rose to great prominence…
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
He accomplished much more than any one of us, and all of us. Why: because he had courage. We do NOT fight for OURSELVES. Our FREEDOM.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
When you see your friends and family today who live outside of DC remind them you celebrate for them but they do not celebrate for you.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
DC can be a very divided city.But can white black Latino Asian poor middle rich gay str8 come together on the ideal of democracy & freedom?
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
The truth is the power structure in DC wants us to stay colonized. Why? They can always do end runs around local to fed to get their way.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
It is no coincidence that we have not achieved statehood yet. People block it and we let them walk right over our inalienable rights.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Our justice system is run by the Feds.Our laws are approved or denied by the Feds. Even our money. Is that what U stand for as an AMERICAN?
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Truth be told, this denial of freedom to DC has not only been un-democratic, it’s been flat out racist and paternalistic & the shit is old.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
I’m 78.I’ve fought on the front lines for a Lin time. It’s time for u young folk to fight for something other than your next job promotion.
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
Obama is on tv now talking about citizenship – but has said NOTHING about the lack of rights for the citizens of DC for 5 years!!!!
— Marion S. Barry, Jr. (@marionbarryjr) July 4, 2014
