Marion Barry was an American politician who served as the mayor of Washington, D.C., for four terms between 1979 and 1999. He was known for his efforts to improve the city's economy and social services, particularly for low-income residents. Barry became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and was a member of the Democratic Party. Despite his political achievements, Barry's career was marred by controversy, including a high-profile arrest for drug possession in 1990. After serving time in prison, he returned to politics and was elected to the D.C. Council, continuing to influence local governance until his death in 2014.