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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-67
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
July 1, 2025
To recognize and commemorate the life of Washingtonian and public activist Carroll “Skeezy”
Rayburg Payne.
WHEREAS, Carroll “Skeezy” Rayburg Payne, born October 25, 1941, and gave
selflessly to our community before departing this life on June 13, 2025 at the age of 83;
WHEREAS, Mr. Payne was a proud graduate of Spingarn High School and, in 1968,
became the first official student at Federal City College—now the University of the District of
Columbia—where he emerged as a student leader and lifelong advocate and activist for
educational equity, youth opportunity, and civic empowerment;
WHEREAS, over decades of distinguished public service, Mr. Payne served in roles
within the DC Department of Housing, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Mayor’s
Youth Leadership Institute, the Office of Congressman Walter Fauntroy, the Department of
Family and Child Services, and the DC Housing Authority, always championing housing with
dignity, youth with promise, and communities with power;
WHEREAS, “Skeezy” was a decorated basketball coach at Roosevelt High School,
leading his teams to 2 championship titles, and an influential youth mentor in Barry Farm,
Potomac Gardens, and across the city through the Kiddie Football League and countless
grassroots efforts;
WHEREAS, Mr. Payne was celebrated for his Afrocentric elegance, radiant smile, and
gift of giving meaningful nicknames to his many friends as symbols of his appreciation and
caring of their friendship;
WHEREAS, Mr. Payne was a formidable presence in civic and cultural circles, including
the Langston Golf Course Fellowship, Men of Matthews Way, and alumni associations at
Spingarn and Federal City College, and was honored during John “Peterbug” Matthews Day for
his community service;
WHEREAS, Mr. Payne’s personal creed—love and dedication to family—defined his
every endeavor, reflected in his 22-year partnership with Katrina Bellamy, and in the lives of the
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countless number of youth and neighbors he uplifted with grace, humor, and unwavering belief
in their potential.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution
may be cited as the “Carroll “Skeezy” Payne Memorial Resolution of 2025.”
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and commemorates the life
and legacy of Carroll “Skeezy” Rayburg Payne and urges all residents to celebrate the life of this
remarkable Washingtonian whose legacy of service, mentorship, and cultural pride will forever
inspire the spirit of our great city.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.