CNN on Marion Barry

During his 12-year tenure, Barry helped to rejuvenate the city's downtown area, sparking a construction boom. His administration also balanced the city's budget. One of Barry's distinctive initiatives was his District Youths Employment Act of 1979. The legislation guaranteed a summer job to all city youths who wanted one, regardless of their economic status.
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In January 1990 Barry's political reign came to an abrupt halt when he was caught on video in an FBI sting operation smoking crack cocaine with a woman at the Vista Hotel. The incident -- played over and over on cable television -- produced what is perhaps the most memorable quote of Barry's long career: "The bitch set me up."

- Then & Now: Marion Barry - May 6, 2005