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3 Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie Councilmember Anita Bonds
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8 Councilmember Christina Henderson Councilmember Janeese Lewis George
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13 Councilmember Charles Allen Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr.
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18 Councilmember Zachary Parker Councilmember Matthew Frumin
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25 A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
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28 IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
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32 To recognize the 80th birthday of Kojo Nnamdi on January 8, 2025.
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34 WHEREAS, Rex Orville Montague Paul, better known as Kojo Nnamdi, was born on January 8,
35 1945, in British Guiana (now Guyana), and throughout his life, has been a respected radio journalist,
36 public affairs host, and a beacon of knowledge and dialogue for the Washington, DC region;
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38 WHEREAS, Kojo Nnamdi began his career with passion and purpose, moving from his native
39 Guyana to Canada and eventually to the United States, where he pursued his education and became
40 involved in the Black Power movement, before finding his calling in radio;
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42 WHEREAS, since 1969, Kojo Nnamdi has established himself as a leading figure in
43 broadcasting, with roles that included editing and directing at Washington’s WOL and WHUR radio
44 stations, later becoming a long-standing host of the public affairs television show Evening Exchange on
45 WHUT-TV, where he engaged viewers in deep conversations on vital local, national, and international
46 topics;
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48 WHEREAS, Kojo Nnamdi made his mark as the host of The Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU,
49 bringing thoughtful discussion to the airwaves for over 23 years, covering topics ranging from
50 transportation and gentrification to racial relations and food culture, while remaining focused on the
51 issues that matter most to the DC metropolitan area;
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53 WHEREAS, Nnamdi’s interviewing style, characterized by insightful, direct, and fair questions,
54 has earned him the respect of listeners, public officials, and fellow broadcasters alike, including our
55 Mayor, Muriel Bowser, and political reporter Tom Sherwood, who co-hosts The Politics Hour with
56 Nnamdi;
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58 WHEREAS, Kojo Nnamdi’s contributions go beyond broadcasting as his Kojo in Our
59 Community series has fostered engagement with citizens across the region, giving voice to local concerns
60 and creating a space where ordinary people and leaders can have constructive dialogue;
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62 WHEREAS, Kojo Nnamdi continues to play a critical role in public radio, hosting The Politics
63 Hour and Kojo In Your Community sessions, maintaining a forum that holds public officials accountable,
64 promotes civic engagement, and connects Washingtonians with their leaders;
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66 WHEREAS, Kojo Nnamdi has been a beloved fixture on Washington’s airwaves, appreciated not
67 only for his calm, reflective style but for his ability to present complex issues in an accessible and
68 engaging manner;
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70 RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that the Council of the
71 District of Columbia recognize January 8th, 2025, as the 80th Birthday of Kojo Nnamdi to celebrate his
72 illustrious career, his contributions to journalism and public discourse, and his tireless dedication to
73 enriching the lives of those in the Washington, DC region.
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75 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that
76 we express our deepest appreciation for Kojo Nnamdi’s continued influence, and wish him many more
77 years of health, happiness, and impactful work. May his voice continue to inspire, inform, and connect
78 communities for generations to come.
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80 Sec. 2. This resolution may be cited as the “Kojo Nnamdi 80th Birthday Recognition Resolution
81 of 2024”.
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83 Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the
84 District of Columbia Register.
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