Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

ENROLLED ORIGINAL

                               A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

                                             25-258

                   IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

                                      September 17, 2024

To recognize and honor the life, contributions, and accomplishments of father, friend, husband,

       community leader, and activist Joseph Bowser.

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser was born in Washington, D.C. on October 5, 1935 where he

was raised by his parents Leroy Bowser and Emily Wade Bowser along with his 8 siblings;

      WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser was educated at St. Augustine’s Catholic School followed

by Armstrong High School;

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser graduated from Federal City College, which joined with 2

schools to become District of Columbia University in 1975;

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser married Joan Bowser on July 16, 1960, and the 2 raised five

children: Mercia, Muriel, Martin, Marvin, and Mark;

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser devoted 44 years of his life working for the Board of

Education for the District of Columbia Public Schools, ensuring our city’s students had clean and

safe buildings to flourish as students;

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser, earning the respect of many academy teachers and staff,

introduced dozens of young men to government services, helping them earn a good living and

raise their families;

      WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser enlisted in the Army reserves, serving as a Drill Sergeant

and Marksmanship Instructor from 1952 and 1955;

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser graduated from Leadership Washington, now called

Leadership Greater Washington, in 1996, where he shared his experiences as a leader to help

bring positive community impact;

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                                                                     ENROLLED ORIGINAL

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser was elected as ANC Commissioner for Single-Member

District 5A03, which includes Michigan Park, in 1979 and served in this role for over 30 years;

      WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser worked as the chairperson of ANC 5A’s public works

committee;

          WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser and his family are residents of Ward 5 for more than 50

years;

       WHEREAS Joseph Bowser held multiple leadership positions in the North Michigan

Park Civic Association, and was known as the “fierce precinct captain’ of precinct 66, having

championed many community issues using his vast political knowledge and unwavering

commitment to do what was right;

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser directed his kids and neighborhood kids in community

service, on how to represent Ward 5 on various community issues;

          WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser championed for a new North Michigan Park Recreation

Center;

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser served as Lieutenant Governor of Division 1 of the Capital

District of Kiwanis International, an organization that prioritizes improving the health and

livelihoods of children and communities, in 2007 and 2008;

      WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser was a faithful member of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic

Church for more than 50 years, where he served as a lifetime member of the Knights of

Columbus and the Cursillos in Christianity;

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser enjoyed the outdoors; often took his kids camping, fishing,

and boating; was a devotee of the Washington Nationals;

        WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser was the first public figure Mayor Muriel Bowser admired,

and his good deeds are forever remembered by his children; and

       WHEREAS, Joseph Bowser passed on August 2, 2024, and leaves a legacy that will live

on in Ward 5, and the District of Columbia for generations to come.

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                                                                    ENROLLED ORIGINAL

        RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this

resolution may be cited as the “Joseph Bowser Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2024”.

       Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors Joseph Bowser for his years of

dedication to his community, family, and friends where he was a leader and pillar of the

community.

       Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.

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