By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
D.C. Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, 51, made good on his word first announced last December, and officially resigned from the Council on Monday, Jan. 5, after more than 13 years of service.
During his stint, McDuffie represented residents for 10 years as the Ward 5 councilmember and for his remaining time as an at-large member.
In a statement, the native Washingtonian highlighted his deep commitment to the residents of Washington, D.C.
“Serving on the Council has been the honor of my lifetime,” McDuffie said. “I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, our dedicated Council staff, advocates, and the residents in all eight wards who placed their trust in me and pushed us to meet the moment with urgency and purpose.”
McDuffie was known for having a penchant for the working class because of his upbringing which instilled in him a sense of dignity for work as well as the belief that people should expect tangible results from the officials they elect to office.
Prior to briefly matriculating at the University of the District of Columbia before completing his undergraduate degree in political science and community development at Howard University in 2002, he sold ice cream at the National Zoo and then delivered mail for the U.S. Postal Service for four years. He would go on to earn his juris doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law in 2006.
During his final day in office, he spoke with the press and talked about the city in which he was born and raised and its citizens.
“I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude today, and it has been my greatest honor to serve the residents of D.C. and to make it more affordable,” he said, adding that it has also been an honor to serve in his hometown.
While he was unwilling to dole out advice to whoever may succeed him, and said he has yet to endorse anyone, he did admit that he has heard that close to 30 people have expressed interest in assuming his position.
Throughout his tenure, he routinely expressed a commitment to policies which enhanced economic security, strengthened public safety and civil rights for all, and created affordable housing. He also worked on behalf of small and local business owners, given his role as chairperson of the Committee on Business and Economic Development.
“This never felt like a job,” he said during his remarks to the press. “When you get to represent your hometown, residents who have placed their trust in you, it’s more like a calling and it has been my purpose to serve. I just hope whoever comes after me will have that same overwhelming sense of service to the District of Columbia and its residents.”
In a statement, he summarized that he believed that under his leadership, he had helped to steer the District through periods of significant challenges while also promoting governmental reform that resulted in greater transparency and equity.
Rumors continue to swirl about McDuffie considering a run for mayor in the next election and while he would not confirm or deny his intentions, he did say he is considering it.
“No matter where I have gone, especially during the past several weeks, I have had ordinary residents sharing their thoughts with me about what they’d like to see in our city’s future,” he said. “And I have had plenty of conversations with those who have encouraged me to run for mayor. I am a native of D.C. and while I am no longer serving on the Council, I am not going anywhere and will continue to speak with residents about what they hope the future will hold.
“While this chapter closes, my commitment to serving the people of Washington, D.C., remains steadfast. I leave this office proud of what we accomplished together and energized for the work ahead.”
Then, perhaps ever the careful politician, McDuffie made a final promise.
“I will have more news to share later and soon – the work is not finished,” he said.
