Mayor's Office on African American Affairs

What We Do

What We Do

  • Convene community organizations and expand the capacity of community organizations focused on the African American community through MOAAA’s Community Grant
  • Advise the District government on policies and programs impacting African American communities
  • Connect residents to District resources and economic opportunities
  • Celebrate and highlight African American history and culture in the District of Columbia through events and community forums
Meet The Deputy Director

Meet the Deputy Director

Thomas Bowen
Marcus Manning
Deputy Director
Office on African American Affairs

A proud native Washingtonian, Marcus Manning has built his career on a steadfast commitment to community advocacy, youth empowerment, and cultural advancement across the District. As Lead for the Mayor’s Office on African-American Affairs, Marcus brings a lifetime of lived experience and professional expertise to champion the needs, heritage, and progress of D.C.’s Black community. 
 
Before his appointment, Marcus served as a Ward Manager in the Mayor’s Office Of Community Relations and Services (MOCRS), where he worked directly with residents, civic leaders, and agencies to strengthen neighborhoods and ensure responsive city services. His ability to build trust and deliver solutions earned him a reputation as a bridge-builder between government and community. 
 
Marcus’s deep passion for youth and family development was first shaped during his tenure at the DC Housing Authority, where he led initiatives to expand opportunities for young residents living in public housing. His leadership earned him the “Everybody Wins Community Champion Award” and the “Award of Merit in Resident and Client Services” for his transformative impact. 
 
Rooted in the same communities he now serves, Marcus draws on both personal experience and professional insight to drive equitable outcomes and celebrate the resilience of African-American residents in the District. He is known for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and unwavering belief that true change begins within the community. 
 
In addition to his cultural expertise, Marcus holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Delaware State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of the District of Columbia. 

History

History

The Commission on African American Affairs was established on March 14, 2012, in response
to the 2010 Census to address the low indicators of economic, health, housing in African
American communities. The Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs was established on
February 17, 2018 through DC ACT 22-219 to monitor the delivery of services and to make
policy recommendations to the District government.
The Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs mission is to build relationships with government
agencies, community based organizations, and local businesses to ensure African Americans
have access to resources to stay and thrive in the District. MOAAA advises the Mayor on
programs and policies to ensure African American have a fair shot in the District of Columbia.
MOAAA works across all government agencies to bridge the equity gap, connects residents to
economic opportunities, and convene community organizations that advance the health, wealth,
and education outcomes of African Americans in our city. MOAAA celebrates and supports the
preservation, history, and legacy of African Americans in the District.

 

Contact Us

Contact Us

Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs
899 North Capitol Street, NE
Suite 7200
Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 442-8150
Email: [email protected]

Mayor’s Office of African American Affairs
Mayor's Office on African American Affairs