ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONAL RESOLUTION
25-236
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
June 11, 2024
To Recognize and honor the life and legacy of Mary Bernadette Tolson who passed on April 22,
2024, for her service to the District of Columbia and their residents.
WHEREAS, Tolson was born in Newton Grove, North Carolina on December 5, 1942;
WHEREAS, Tolson arrived in Washington, D.C. in 1955;
WHEREAS, Tolson offered her services in her career to the D.C. Board of Education to
the Department of Employment Services, implementing Mayor Marion Barry’s Summer Youth
Employment Program;
WHEREAS, Tolson serviced time as the Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor, and Special
Assistant to Mayor Sharon Pratt, Mayor Vincent Gray, Mayor Adrian Fenty, And Mayor Anthony
Williams, which culminated in 31 years of service to the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, Tolson assisted many Washingtonians in starting their careers in the D.C.
Government;
WHEREAS, in retirement, Tolson helped create the Black Women for Obama
organization in 2008;
WHEREAS, Tolson was a founder and charter member of Black Women For Positive
Change, focusing on changing the issues of violence in the District;
WHEREAS, Tolson was fondly referred to as the “Mayor” of Mississippi Avenue, South
East by the residents of the neighborhood;
WHEREAS, Tolson tirelessly offered her services to community service, mentorship, and
friendship until her passing.
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution be cited as the “May Bernadette Tolson Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors Mary Bernadette Tolson for her
years of dedication to the District of Columbia and the residents of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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