David Allen "Dave" Clarke (October 13, 1943 – March 27, 1997)[1] was a civil rights worker, lawyer, and Democratic politician in Washington, D.C. He was elected as one of the original members of the Council of the District of Columbia in 1974 when D.C. gained home rule, and he later served as the council's chairman from 1983 to 1991 and then again after the 1993 death of John A. Wilson until his own death in 1997.
The David A. Clarke School of Law was named after Clarke in 1998.
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Clarke was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in its Shaw and Skyland neighborhoods, attending D.C. public schools Thompson Elementary, Jefferson High, and Western High School. He continued his education in D.C., obtaining a B.A. in religion from George Washington University in 1965[2] and a J.D. from the Howard University School of Law.[3]
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.[2]
| Council of the District of Columbia | ||
|---|---|---|
| First | Ward 1 Member, Council of the District of Columbia 1975–1983 |
Succeeded by Frank Smith |
| Preceded by Arrington Dixon |
Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia 1983–1991 |
Succeeded by John A. Wilson |
| Preceded by John A. Wilson |
Chairman of the Council of the District of Columbia 1993–1997 |
Succeeded by Linda W. Cropp |
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