ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-268
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 15, 2024
To recognize and honor the life and contributions of the late Marvin Turner for his extensive
career in politics, community service, and social advocacy.
WHEREAS, Marvin Turner demonstrated a deep commitment to labor rights and social
justice, notably serving as a political director for the Service Employees International Union
(SEIU) in the successful organization of bus drivers in St. Paul and Minnesota, and lending his
expertise to several political advance projects throughout the country;
WHEREAS, Mr. Turner worked at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for over
20 years, where he served as Deputy Director in the Office of the Secretary tasked with
organizing national meetings, certifying delegates for the 2008 and 2012 conventions, and
maintaining the Party’s official records and archives;
WHEREAS, Mr. Turner managed the successful Congressional campaign of
Congressman John Barrow in Georgia's 12th District, which became one of the most closely
watched races in the country, and his leadership extended into community service as CEO of the
Cherry Community Organization in Charlotte, North Carolina;
WHEREAS, he served his community with distinction as Community Relations Liaison
and Constituent Caseworker for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, representing her at
numerous community events and ensuring that the constituents of the District of Columbia
received the support they needed from federal agencies;
WHEREAS, Marvin Turner’s contributions were recognized through appointments to
various commissions, including the Youth in Criminal Justice by former Mayor Sharon Pratt
Kelly, the Blacks in Criminal Justice Commission by the Bureau of Prisons and most recently, a
Mayoral Appointee to the Sentencing Commission from 2012 to 2019;
WHEREAS, Mr. Turner exhibited an unwavering commitment to returning citizens,
staffing the Commission on Black Men and Boys and serving as the D.C. Community Relations
Liaison for the Rainbow Coalition;
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
WHEREAS, in his 25 years of experience in the criminal justice field, Mr. Turner often
visited inmates in jail to assist with human rights concerns;
WHEREAS, Mr. Turner was also a trusted liaison between the local DC Democratic
Party, numerous other state parties, and the national DNC, always making himself available to
communicate recent events and updates to the community.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Marvin Turner Memorial Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council recognizes the life and legacy of Marvin Turner and expresses
gratitude and appreciation for his tireless service to his community, his nation, and the cause of
justice and equality. His memory will forever inspire those who seek to follow in his footsteps as
advocates for political engagement, community leadership, and social change.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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