BALTIMORE, Md. (November 23, 2014)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake issued the following statement regarding the passing of Marion Barry, councilman and former mayor of Washington, D.C.:

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of former Washington DC Mayor Marion Barry. He lived his life in service to the public and reminded us all that, with grit and determination, we can overcome any obstacles life brings our way.

For more than five decades, Mayor Barry was an outspoken voice for the voiceless. He believed in making government work for the people, and his public service provided hope and opportunity to many constituents who hadn't had it before. As we reflect on his life, many will surely focus on his struggles. However, even those struggles could not match his determination to serve the citizens of the District of Columbia and the love he received in return from those who lovingly referred to him as 'mayor for life.'"