Bill > CER26-0010

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Derrick Ward, a prominent Washington, D.C. journalist who passed away on January 7, 2025, at age 62. The resolution highlights Ward's deep roots in the city, having been born and raised in the Marshall Heights and H Street Corridor neighborhoods, and his distinguished journalism career spanning radio stations like WPFW, WAMU, and WTOP, where he covered significant national events such as the Iran-Contra hearings and September 11th. In 2006, Ward joined News4 Washington, earning a reputation as the station's "resident D.C. historian and poet" and becoming known for his exceptional storytelling skills. Beyond journalism, he was a talented musician and guitar player, celebrated for his warmth and mentorship of aspiring journalists. The resolution also acknowledges his personal life, noting that he is survived by his three children—Derrick Jr., Ian, and Marisa—and formally recognizes Ward's profound contributions to journalism and the Washington, D.C. community, serving as a tribute to his enduring legacy and impact on local media.