“So 8 may rise!”
In 2014, a rallying cry sparked a movement to bring stability to a part of DC reeling from the passing of its sitting Councilmember and former Mayor, Marion S. Barry, Jr. In the center of this movement was an upstart community organizer with a background in non-profit economic and housing development named LaRuby May. May knew what communities in Ward 8 needed, and those needs were jobs, public safety, services for seniors, and youth advocacy. To LaRuby, what was needed to improve the community was to provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to grow and serve the ward. As a Ward 8 resident for 13 years, LaRuby observed how the Ward could be improved through compassionate policy and a boots-on-the-ground work ethic.
A Clear Vision
LaRuby May had a clear vision for the Ward. This vision was established early in her career when she was appointed to chair the DC Housing Authority Board of Commissioners in 2008. Through her tenure, May advocated a change to the Board’s by-laws and management structure to become more open to the public–a first for the agency. On top of her accolades, she also became one of the youngest African American Women to head a large housing authority in the country. Additionally, May took the Executive Director position with Vision of Victory Community Development Corporation and developed 91 units of affordable housing for seniors.
Ward 8 Rising
As May’s work elevated Ward 8 residents on a case-by-case basis, she then recognized the need to enact change on a policy level with the DC Council. After the untimely passing of Mayor Barry in November 2014, LaRuby knew the open Council seat would be hotly contested. Despite the obstacles, she inspired a grass-roots campaign centered on the public good. The District of Columbia Association of REALTORS® took note of LaRuby’s work as a development and affordable housing leader, and endorsed her campaign on April 2, 2015.
On May 14, 2015, LaRuby May was sworn into the Council of the District of Columbia and serves on the Council’s Committees on Health and Human Services, Committee on Housing and Community Development; and the Committee on the Judiciary.
Her Year in Office and the Campaign Ahead
LaRuby took on her duties as Councilmember with aplomb enacting legislation and addressing the needs of Ward 8 residents. Her first year in office centered on four tenants: seniors programs, youth advocacy, economic improvement and public safety. These issues are the cornerstones of May’s legislative mission and provide a foundation for her, her office and volunteers to build a vibrant and thriving community. Considering her work and future plans, DCAR RPAC is proud to once again endorse LaRuby May for Ward 8 Councilmember.
LaRuby May (middle) with DC REALTORS® Bonnie Roberts-Burke, Ed Wood, Angela Jones, and Colin Johnson at Uniontown Bar in SE DC.
Read DCAR’s Endorsement of LaRuby May’s 2016 Campaign here.
Follow the LaRuby May Campaign online: Re-Elect LaRuby May | Twitter | Facebook
District of Columbia Board of Elections – DC 2016 Primary and General Election Information: Election Year 2016 | Voter’s Guide | Election Calendar | Sample Ballot
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