ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-44
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 4, 2023
To celebrate the contributions of District of Columbia native Marvin P. Gaye, Jr. to the music
community, honor his mission to support youth and the environment, thank the African
American Music Association for their work to support Marvin Gaye’s legacy, and to
declare April 2, 2023 as “Marvin Gaye Day” in the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Marvin P. Gaye, Jr. is a DC native son who was born on April 2, 1939 at
Freedman’s Hospital, now known as Howard University Hospital;
WHEREAS, Marvin Gaye’s first home was located in the Southwest Waterfront
neighborhood;
WHEREAS, Marvin Gaye attended DC Public Schools , including Syphax Elementary
School, Randall Junior High School, Spingarn High School, and Cardozo High School, where he
was a member of several doo-wop groups;
WHEREAS, as a young man, Marvin Gaye began his music career in the District with
The Marquees, who worked with Bo Diddley and signed to OKeh Records ;
WHEREAS, when the Marquees disbanded, Marvin Gaye moved to Detroit and signed
with Berry Gordy and Motown Records;
WHEREAS, Marvin Gaye’s career took off and in the years that followed, he put out 17
solo albums and 6 collaborative albums;
WHEREAS, Marvin Gaye’s music, with his smooth voice and powerful messages, has
touched the hearts and souls of District residents and people around the world;
WHEREAS, since it was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1992, the African
American Music Association has celebrated and presented Marvin Gaye Day throughout the
District of Columbia with the purpose of keeping Gaye’s music and legacy alive, including his
passionate plea to save our youth and the environment , and will host “A Marvin Gaye Birthday
Celebration” at the Sandlot Anacostia on April 2, 2023.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Marvin Gaye Day Recognition Resolution of 202 3”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia celebrates the contributions of District
of Columbia native Marvin P. Gaye, Jr. to the music community, honors his legacy , thanks the
African American Music Association for their work to support Marvin Gaye’s legacy, and
declares April 2, 2023 as “Marvin Gaye Day” in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.