Meet Mark Thompson

“They can take democracy out of our hands, but not out of our hearts.”

Democracy works when we work every day for the rights of ordinary, everyday people.

Regardie's Magazine named Mark Thompson one of the “100 Most Powerful People in Washington,” in 1990 following his leadership in the 11-day protest at the University of the District of Columbia. Nearly all of the 42 academic and programmatic demands of the students were met, including the recovery of $1.6 million in funds the Trustee’s had jeopardized.

A life committed to social justice and activism was making a difference for ordinary people in DC.

Mark was born at Freedman’s Hospital in Washington. His mother was a student and Howard University and returned with Mark to her home in Nashville where she worked at Fisk University. During childhood, he built roots in the movement for rights in both Nashville and Washington where he regularly visited his father.

In Nashville, he was exposed to the key thinkers, activists and artists in African American history — at Fisk and by attending Clark Church, center of the Nashville sit-in movement.

In Washington, he served as an intern to then Associated Judge Eugene Hamilton, now chief judge to the D.C. Superior Court. He fulfilled his dream to attend college in Washington by attending Georgetown University in 1985. While at Georgetown, Coach John Thompson selected him for a Hoyas manager. Two years later, he transferred to UDC. Later, he co-hosted the area’s most popular WOL radio talk show with Dick Gregory.

As a writer, broadcaster and political activist, Thompson has become a grassroots voice for justice.

He played key roles in:

• The “Thou Shall Not Kill” campaign.
• The “51 Days of Fast and Prayer for Statehood and Safe Neighborhoods.”
• The 1990 “Student Call to Washington.”
• Founding of the Umoja (Unity) Party.
• The National Organizing Committee, Million Man March.
• The NAACP Metropolitan Police & Criminal Justice Review Task Force.
• Legislation to establish a Civilian Complaint Review Board.
• The Search Committee for newa DC chief of police.

Mark’s political career is one of persistence and patience, building on his deep District roots and never straying from his commitment and action for average families. He helped found the Umoja (Unity) Party in 1993 for citizens.

Mark Thompson’s voice for democracy is strong because he listens to citizens and never forgets their cause.

"We cannot let our children down, allow another city business to falter, allow another tax-paying family to move out of town, or allow another democratic right to be taken away. We must make every moment, every vote and every dollar count."

"When our children, our families, our neighborhoods, our businesses or our disadvantaged need a helping hand, we are responsible."

“District voters tell me they are looking for three things from their Council representative. “First, they want a hard worker. People have seen my work on the NAACP Task Force, the Million Man March, and many other community projects. “Second, DC voters want fresh ideas. That’s why my vision for restoring difficult neighborhoods through home ownership is so popular. “Finally, they want a Council representative who shares their point of view. As a DC native, I love this city and long for true democracy. “I am in step with DC’s pride, vision and potential. I will never give up the fight for true democracy. “Please give me one of your two At-Large Council VOTES on November 3 for a stronger voice for democracy on the Council.”

CENTER: Mark (at microphone) emcees Million Man March. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Leading the UDC student protest, with NOW President Patricia Ireland at welfare protest; with Dick Gregory and Rev. Joseph Lowery (ACLC); with citizens honoring Dr. King at Mary Barry press conference; with WOL’s Cathy Hughes; lobbying on Capitol Hill, campaigning in parade, and with grass roots supporters.

Mark Thompson's Top Priorities:

Management Excellence: DC citizens deserve a trained, skilled workforce led by dedicated quality managers.

Education: “My commitment to affordable education has been demonstrated by my leadership to preserve and improve UDC. I will continue to fight for affordable, quality public education in our public schools as well as our public university.”

Jobs and Economic Development: “I will work to bring new businesses and services into our city”s struggling neighborhoods, providing badly needed jobs, especially for those living east of the Anacostia River. I will help existing community businesses stay in, and grow with, out city.”

Public Safety and Justice: “I am committed to public safety with justice and fairness. Every citizen, especially our seniors, should feel and be safe. I do not believe that safe streets require us to renounce our constitutional rights as U.S. citizens. I will work to re-establish the Citizens Complaint Review Board, to make law enforcement careers open to our own youth, and to hold MPD accountable to all our citizens.”

Housing (Affordable Home Ownership): “As a native son of the District, I know first-hand that homeowners are the backbone of a healthy community. I also know that not everyone can own a home. Therefore, I will work to retain rent control, support seniors housing, as well as promote affordable home ownership.”

Democracy: “When democratic government stumbles or falls short, the answer is not dictatorship! Our experience with public school management by the Control Board and General Becton has made this point clear. Democratic government is at its best when its citizens are fully involved. I and my staff will be fully accessible and accountable to our employers — the citizens.

Thompson At-Large Committee, P.O. Box 14233, Washington, D.C. 20044-4233

Paid for by Thompson At-Large Committee, E. Fay Williams, Treas.