ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-162
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
December 5, 2023
To celebrate the life and legacy of Washington, D.C. native, esteemed engineer and decorated
Tuskegee Airman, William T. Fauntroy , on the occasion of his death on October 3, 2023.
WHEREAS, on March 26, 1926, William T. Fauntroy was born in the District of
Columbia;
WHEREAS, Mr. Fauntroy attended numerous District of Columbia Public Schools in his youth, including John F. Cooke Elementary School, the Grimke Elementary School and Garnet-
Patterson Junior High School;
WHEREAS, Mr. Fauntroy matriculated through Howard University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering;
WHEREAS, Mr. Fauntroy served in Army Air Corps, completing basic training at Keesler Field in Mississippi during the early 1940s;
WHEREAS, after completing basic training, he was assigned to Tuskegee Army Air
Field for training as a single engine pilot and was discharged an aviation cadet on November 8,
1945;
WHEREAS, in 1961, Mr. Fauntroy became the first African -American civil engineer
hired by the National Capital Transportation Authority (NTCA), which later became the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA);
WHEREAS, worked with WMATA until his retirement in 1984, and his tenure is
memorialized in the William T. Fauntroy WMATA collection that dates from 1962 to 2001 and is featured at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum;
WHEREAS, Mr. Fauntroy, the older brother of former D.C. delegate to the U.S. Congress,
Rev. Walter Fauntroy, was married to his college sweetheart , Camilla Fauntroy, for over 61
years before her passing;
WHEREAS, at age 9 7, Mr. Fauntroy departed from this earthly existence in late
September, 2023.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, T hat this
resolution may be cited as the “William T. Fauntroy, Jr. Memorial Recognition Resolution of
2023.”
Sec. 2 The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors the incredible life of
William T. Fauntroy, Jr. for his service to his nation and the District. His amazing journey as a
Tuskegee Airman and groundbreaking engineer inspired many throughout the nation.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.