David A. Clarke

David Allen Clarke (October 13, 1943 – March 27, 1997) was an American civil-rights worker, attorney, and Democratic politician in Washington, D.C. Elected as one of the original members of the Council of the District of Columbia when D.C. gained home rule in 1974, Clarke served as its chair from 1983 to 1991, and again from the death of John A. Wilson in 1993 until his own death in 1997.

The District of Columbia School of Law was renamed the David A. Clarke School of Law for Clarke in 1998.

Early life and education David Allen Clarke was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 13, 1943, to Allen Joseph Clarke and Ophia Carroll Clarke. They later moved to the neighborhood of Shaw. He then enrolled at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, but, wanting to take a more direct role in the Civil Rights Movement, after two weeks he transferred to the nearby Upland Institute for Social Change and Conflict Management. Upland then sent him back to Washington to work for Walter E. Fauntroy at the recently formed D.C. Coalition for Conscience. including arranging legal assistance for demonstrators participating in the Poor People's Campaign, particularly the Resurrection City encampment on the Mall. )

During his eight years as the representative of Ward One, he chaired Council's Judiciary Committee, was a member of the Council's Housing and Finance committee, and chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments's Public Safety Committee, where he was a proponent of gun control.

After two terms representing Ward 1, Clarke was elected Chair (a separate seat, elected at-large) in 1982. He served as Chair of Council for eight more years, then ran for Mayor in 1990 —at the School, serving as co-director for several years. His aggressive style at times made consensus-building difficult.

Clarke died of a central nervous system lymphoma, a form of brain cancer.

Timeline November 5, 1974 – elected Ward 1 council member November 7, 1978 – reelected Ward 1 council member November 8, 1994 – reelected council chairman March 27, 1997 – died in office

Awards and legacy Clarke received numerous awards for his community service initiatives including Outstanding Alumnus Award, Greater Washington Howard University Law School Alumni Association; Achievement Award, Elks Department of Civil Liberties League # 194; Human Rights Award, Ancient Independent Order of Moses; and the Washington Inner City Self-Help, Outstanding Service to Community Award. The University of the District of Columbia's Law School also bears his name: "The University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law."