D.C. celebrated the first “Marion Barry Day” yesterday on the 86th birthday of the late “Mayor for Life.” The Council recently approved a resolution designating March 6 as the day to celebrate the activist and civil rights leader. D.C.-based streetwear company SOMEWHERE and the local cultural movement group known as Moechella hosted a Marion Barry Day celebration in the clothing store’s First Street SE shop yesterday afternoon. Part of the proceeds from Barry-themed merchandise and art sold at the event go to the Barry family charity, WTOP reports. 

In a political career that spanned five decades, Barry served at different times as president of the D.C. School Board, at-large councilmember, four-term mayor, and Ward 8 councilmember. Known for his gregarious personality and a life story steeped in community activism, economic propulsion of Black residents, and a cocaine-related arrest amid the crack epidemic during his third term as mayor, Barry was just as controversial as he was admired. One of his remaining active legacies, the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, just wrapped up its application season for 2022. 

In Other News …

Sunday also marked the start of significant trucker convoy presence along the Capital Beltway that caused delays, WTOP reports. The extent of the delays is debatable. Hundreds of trucks and other vehicles from the “People’s Convoy” drove south from Hagerstown Speedway in Maryland, the last leg of their journey before heading toward D.C. There they converged with other trucker groups, like the Northeast Convoy, and were met with food, cheers, music, and signs from supporters.

The trucker convoy protest had been underwhelming when it first started weeks ago. Projections of the turnout at other convoys, based on disorganization driven by convoys’ social media, weren’t much better.

But amid yesterday’s slowdowns and with more convoy convergences possible, law enforcement officials now expect further delays this week. Chris Rodriguez, director of the D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, told WUSA9 the District’s request for unarmed National Guard troops to assist with traffic control had been extended to March 9. People’s Convoy organizer Brian Brase has said the group would depart from the Hagerstown Speedway at 9:30 a.m. today to loop once around the Capital Beltway, the Post reports.

Maryland State Police issued a statement yesterday asking drivers to allow for extra travel time this week because of the additional congestion. They reminded residents to be vigilant about possible misinformation and disinformation about the protests on social media. The police also assured drivers that law enforcement would be doing their part to alleviate congestion around the Beltway. Rodriguez echoed the call.

“A lot of this remains unpredictable and it does remain a fluid situation,” said Rodriguez. “We ask for residents’ patience over the next several days and allowing more time for your commute.”

—Ambar Castillo (tips? acastillo@washingtoncitypaper.com)

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• About half of the 200 residents displaced by a Silver Spring apartment fire have been able to return. [WJLA, WUSA9]
• Anti-war protests at Lafayette Square grow. [NBC4]

By Ambar Castillo (tips? acastillo@washingtoncitypaper.com)