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____________________________ ______________________________ 3
Councilmember Anita Bonds Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. 4
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Councilmember Brianne Nadeau Councilmember Brooke Pinto 8
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Councilmember Wendell Felder 13
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION 16
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 20
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To recognize ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham for his extraordinary advocacy on behalf 23
of returning citizens, his unwavering commitment to restoring educational and 24
rehabilitative programming at the District of Columbia Jail, and his exemplary public 25
service to the residents of the District of Columbia. 26
WHEREAS, Commissioner Harold Cunningham was elected by his neighbors to serve as 27
an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, where he has represented District residents with 28
integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice and community service; 29
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham left school after the eighth grade and entered 30
the District of Columbia correctional system without the ability to read, yet through remarkable 31
determination taught himself to read while incarcerated, transforming adversity into a lifelong 32
commitment to learning and advocacy; 33
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham spent thirty-four years incarcerated, including 34
twenty consecutive years in solitary confinement, during which no educational programming 35
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was available through the Department of Corrections; 36
WHEREAS, despite those extraordinary circumstances, Commissioner Cunningham 37
refuses to allow his confinement to define him and instead is committed to ensuring that others 38
would have access to education, programming, and opportunities for personal growth while 39
incarcerated; 40
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham independently studied the District’s budget and 41
appropriations process to advocate effectively for the restoration of educational and 42
rehabilitative programming at the District of Columbia Jail; 43
WHEREAS, through diligent research, persistent engagement, and informed advocacy, 44
Commissioner Cunningham played an instrumental role in restoring funding for the Lead Up! 45
Lead Out! initiative and the numerous educational, rehabilitative, and reentry programs 46
operating under its umbrella at the District of Columbia Jail; 47
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham has demonstrated that lived experience, when 48
combined with perseverance, thoughtful research, and civic engagement, can shape public 49
policy and improve government for the benefit of countless District residents; 50
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham continues to advocate for policies that expand 51
opportunity and improve conditions for incarcerated and returning residents of the District of 52
Columbia; 53
WHEREAS, Commissioner Cunningham’s journey to becoming a respected community 54
leader, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and advocate for justice reflects the 55
transformative power of education, resilience, and second chances. 56
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 57
resolution may be cited as the “ANC Commissioner Harold Cunningham Recognition 58
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Resolution of 2026.” 59
Sec. 2. The Council expresses its profound gratitude for Commissioner Cunningham’s 60
resilience, leadership, and dedication to ensuring that every resident has access to education, 61
opportunity, and the possibility of a second chance. 62
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately. 63