Terry Lamont Bennett Recognition Resolution of 2026

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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
26-124
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
January 20, 2026
To recognize the life, service and legacy of Terry Lamont Bennett.

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett was raised in Southeast Washington, D.C., where his
roots, values, and purpose were firmly planted;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett attended D.C. public schools throughout his entire
childhood—elementary, middle, and high school—and was shaped by the very community he
would one day dedicate his life to serving;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett began playing football at the Boys & Girls Club 11
and continued competing in sports throughout high school;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett was a natural leader and role model and earned
numerous accolades as a student at Ballou High School, where he excelled in multiple sports,
including baseball, track, basketball, and his favorite, football;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett graduated from Ballou High School as valedictorian
in 2011, a testament to both his discipline and determination, and that same year, he made
history as the first student from Ballou High School to receive a Posse Scholarship, earning a
full-tuition award to attend Bucknell University;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett continued to lead with purpose at Bucknell
University as president of the Black Student Union, an active participant in the Bucknell Student
Union, and a proud member of the football team;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett was also known for his joy and creativity beyond
academics and athletics, earning campus-wide recognition as the University’s go-to DJ,
affectionately known as DJ TRaww or BabyShoes;
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WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett was committed to giving back to the community that
raised him and returned home to Southeast D.C. after graduating from Bucknell University in
2015;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett worked at Ballou High School as a behavior
technician for 2 years while also beginning his journey as a football coach;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett, driven by a deep desire to make a difference, made
the decision to join the Metropolitan Police Department in 2017, often saying he wanted to “be
the change” in his community;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett graduated from the police academy in 2018 and
proudly served his entire career in the First District, earning recognition for his dedication and
service by being named Officer of the Month in 2024;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett remained deeply committed to youth mentorship and
athletics outside of his law enforcement career, coaching football at Ballou High School for 9
years, leading the team to numerous victories and two Turkey Bowl appearances, and over the
years also serving as defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, and most recently, assistant
head coach;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett played competitive flag football for 11 years,
participating in both state and local championships;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett held family at the heart of everything he did, with his
mom and dad as his greatest motivation and his loudest supporters who were present at nearly
every game, ceremony, and extracurricular milestone, always cheering him on; himself serving
as a devoted husband to his wife, Nadia, whom he met in 2014 and married in 2023; a loving,
hands-on father to their three-year-old son, Elijah; a proud and supportive uncle to his niece,
Janyia, celebrating her academic excellence; a loving uncle to his nephews; a devoted brother to
his sister, Keyonna; and as one who carried the memory of his late brother, Tracy, close to his
heart;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett balanced life as a police officer for the city, a coach
for the community, and a family man at home with intention, pride, and unwavering
commitment;

WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett often said, “Watch me shine,” and “I’m just a kid
from Southeast,” and he lived those words fully, proving that where you start does not limit how
brightly you can shine; and

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WHEREAS, Terry Lamont Bennett’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the
community he served, and the family he loved so deeply.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Terry Lamont Bennett Recognition Resolution of 2026”.

Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia honors and celebrates the life, service and
legacy of Terry Bennett, and declares July 21, 2026, the anniversary of his birth, as “Terry
Bennett Day” in the District of Columbia.

Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.