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Councilmember Charles Allen Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. 2
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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Councilmember Anita Bonds 6
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Councilmember Brianne K, Nadeau Councilmember Vincent C. Gray 10
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Councilmember Janeese Lewis George Councilmember Matthew Frumin 14
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A CEREMONIAL 18
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 23
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To posthumously recognize and honor Reverend Doctor Sandra Butler-Truesdale for her 27
significant contributions to our local jazz community and her outstanding years of public 28
service in the District of Columbia. 29
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale was born in Washington, DC on November 15
th
, 1939, 31
and devoted her life to preserving, protecting and promoting the artistic legacies of the District’s 32
professional musicians; 33
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale was the founder and chair of DC Legendary 35
Musicians, Inc., an organization that preserves, protects, and promotes the artistic legacy, 36
contributions, and well-being of the District’s jazz scene; 37
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale, was a lifelong advocate, jazz historian, and servant 39
leader who dedicated herself to the betterment of the District of Columbia; 40
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WHEREAS, throughout her illustrious life, Dr. Butler-Truesdale demonstrated an 42
unwavering commitment to public service, serving as Chair of the DC Democrat Party, Chair of 43
the Ward 4 Democrats, Commissioner of ANC 4C07, Ward 4 Representative to the DC Board of 44
Education, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Council, Chair of the Communications Workers of 45
America's Affordable Housing Committee, and Associate Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church; 46
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WHEREAS, Sandra Butler-Truesdale most recently called Southwest and Ward 6 her 48
home, becoming an active voice to support her neighborhood and extend arts and music 49
throughout the Southwest community, especially with collaboration on regular cultural and 50
musical gatherings, such as Westminster Presbyterian Church's well known Friday Night Jazz 51
series that features legendary District artists and musicians; 52
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale also served as a prolific author, sharing her profound 54
knowledge and insights in local publications, enlightening readers about the rich history of the 55
Black community in the District; 56
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale’s remarkable leadership was instrumental in the 58
redevelopment and restoration of the Campbell Heights Senior Citizens Apartments, as well as 59
the restoration of the historic Paul Laurence Dunbar Apartments at 15th & U St., NW; 60
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale played an integral role in the rejuvenation of the 62
historic Howard Theatre, a monumental cultural institution that had been dormant for two 63
decades; 64
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WHEREAS, her impact stretched beyond the realm of politics, as Dr. Butler-Truesdale 66
exhibited a deep commitment to empowering the community by nurturing young artists, 67
supporting local music, and mentoring future leaders; 68
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WHEREAS, her dedication as a DC music historian, along with her work alongside 70
iconic musicians such as Ray Charles and James Brown, earned her recognition and respect in 71
the world of music; 72
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WHEREAS, her powerful voice echoed across the District through WPFW Radio (89.3 74
FM), where she served as a programmer, writer, and producer, notably on shows like "Don't 75
Forget the Blues" and "Jazz Stories,” forging connections with countless listeners; 76
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WHEREAS, in one of her last interviews before her passing, Dr. Butler-Truesdale 78
expressed that she would miss engaging with people, underscoring her deep love for connecting 79
with others; and 80
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WHEREAS, Dr. Butler-Truesdale’s legacy as an advocate, historian, musician, 82
community organizer, and mentor serves as an enduring testament to the possibilities of a life 83
lived with passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of people and 84
communities; 85
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, this resolution 87
may be cited as the “Reverend Doctor Sandra Butler-Truesdale Ceremonial Recognition of 88
2023”. 89
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Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the life and 91
legacy of Reverend Doctor Sandra Butler-Truesdale as a Washingtonian, a historian, an 92
advocate, a musician, and a community builder. 93
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Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in 95
the District of Columbia Register. 96