After another electoral victory, Marion Barry, a District of Columbia Councilman, is yet again involved in a controversy for remarks he made disapproving Asian-owned businesses in his poor majority-black ward. During his election party for his primary victory, Barry said, “We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses and dirty shops. … They ought to go. I’m going to say that right now. But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”
Barry’s comments were first reported by WRC-TV. He apologized on Thursday for his comments. In an interview with The Associated Press, Barry said, “I want to express my deep apology for offending some members of the Asian community and the D.C. community. I have a solid record of relationships with the Asian community.” Mayor Vincent Gray weighed in on Thursday about the Councilman’s comments. In a statement, Gray said, “I am deeply disappointed by Councilmember Barry’s comment. There is no room in this wonderfully diverse city for comments that disparage anyone on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, disability or sexual orientation.” Barry won his Ward 8 council seat in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, assuring him another four year term.
