By Deborah Simmons

Marion Barry opens the passenger door for his visitor, seats himself behind the wheel and slowly merges into the evening rush on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast Washington.


The irony of what hasn't happened along this major artery isn't lost on Mr. Barry, who has spent his adult life with the words "content of their character, not the color of their skin" ringing in his ears.


"I did a lot, but I didn't do enough," Mr. Barry says.


The former mayor and current D.C. Council member is talking about recreation centers for youths in Ward 8, where, for generations, he has been the chosen one.