Marion Barry Funeral

Political and civil rights leaders are expected today to join thousands of Washington, D-C residents to say goodbye to the city’s “Mayor for Life,” Marion Barry.

Barry died last month at age 78.

His funeral at the Washington Convention Center will cap three days of memorial events.

Barry served as mayor for 16 years and was credited with expanding economic opportunity for the city’s black majority.

He also had well-documented personal struggles, culminating in a 1990 arrest for smoking crack cocaine.

Barry served six months in prison but was later elected to his fourth term, capping a remarkable comeback.

The Reverend Jesse Jackson, a longtime friend and ally, will deliver the eulogy today.

(The Associated Press)