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CER26-0039 • 2025

DJ Kool Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2025

DJ Kool Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2025

Enacted

This bill passed the Legislature and reached final enactment based on the latest official action.

Sponsor
Mendelson
Last action
2025-05-23
Official status
Approved
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The exact nature and timing of any potential ceremonial acknowledgment are not specified in the official source material.

DJ Kool Ceremonial Recognition Resolution

This resolution recognizes DJ Kool's career and accomplishments in Washington, DC.

What This Bill Does

  • Recognizes DJ Kool for his musical career and contributions to the District of Columbia.
  • Acknowledges DJ Kool's influence on local music genres like hip-hop and go-go.
  • Commends DJ Kool for his success with the hit song 'Let Me Clear My Throat'.
  • Celebrates DJ Kool's continued expression of love and pride in Washington, DC.

Who It Names or Affects

  • DJ Kool, a Washington, DC native and musician.
  • The residents of Washington, DC who appreciate DJ Kool’s music and cultural impact.

Terms To Know

Resolution
A formal statement or declaration by the Council to recognize an individual or event.
Ceremonial Recognition
An official acknowledgment of a person's achievements and contributions, often celebrated with a ceremony.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The resolution does not provide financial support or legal benefits to DJ Kool.
  • It is unclear if there will be any public ceremonies or events organized as part of this recognition.

Bill History

  1. 2025-05-23 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Resolution ACR26-0039, Effective from May 06, 2025 Published in DC Register Vol 72 and Page 006133

  2. 2025-05-06 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Retained by the Council

  3. 2025-05-06 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Legislative Meeting

  4. 2025-05-06 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    Approved with Resolution Number ACR26-0039

  5. 2025-05-05 Council of the District of Columbia LIMS

    CER26-0039 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary

Official Summary Text

DJ Kool Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2025

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-39

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

May 6, 2025

To recognize and celebrate the musical career and accomplishments of DJ Kool.

WHEREAS, John W. Bowman, Jr, better known as DJ Kool, was born in Washington, DC
on March 20, 1958;

WHEREAS, DJ Kool attended both public and private schools, and graduated from Eastern
Senior High School in 1976;

WHEREAS, DJ Kool began his career as a mobile DJ and soon thereafter began gaining
attention and traction in clubs and performance venues around the DC region. During this time, he
was heavily influenced by the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown;

WHEREAS, in the 1990s, DJ Kool released 4 albums, The Music Ain’t Loud Enough, 20
Minute Workout , Let Me Clear My Throat , and Gimme That Beat , establishing himself as a
presence in the musical genres of hip-hop and go-go;

WHEREAS, the title track of the Let Me Clear My Throat album became DJ Kool’s most
recognized and notable hit. In 1996, he released the single (of the same name) on American
Recordings, which charted around the world including the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and top
10 in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in March 1997;

WHEREAS, in 2023, nearly 3 decades after its initial release, “Let Me Clear My Throat”
was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA);

WHEREAS, DJ Kool was a featured performer at the District’s annual Emancipation Day
Parade and Concert in 2025; and

WHEREAS, DJ Kool continues to vocally and visibly express love of and pride in his
native Washington, DC in his travels, both domestically and internationally.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “DJ Kool Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2025”.
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2

Sec. 2. The Council recognizes DJ Kool for his artistry and achievements over the course
of his career and commends him for his valuable contributions to the musical history and culture
of the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.