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PR 26-0710

Commission on Human Rights Reverend Thomas Bowen Confirmation Resolution of 2026

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

Confirms Rev. Thomas Bowen as a member of the DC Commission on Human Rights to fill a vacancy for the remainder of 2026 and a full term through 2029.

Approved with Resolution Number R26-0436
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Bill Summary · PR 26-0710

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
  • Session: 26
  • Bill: PR 26-0710
  • Title: Commission on Human Rights Reverend Thomas Bowen Confirmation Resolution of 2026
  • Status: Introduced May 15, 2026; referred to Committee on Public Works and Operations (Action History shows referral on May 19, 2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill confirms Rev. Thomas Bowen as a member of the DC Commission on Human Rights.
  • It fills a vacant seat that was previously held by Lauren Lowery.
  • Term details: remainder of an unexpired term ending December 31, 2026, and a subsequent full term ending December 31, 2029.

Key Provisions

  • Sec. 2: Confirms Rev. Thomas Bowen as a member of the Commission on Human Rights.
    • Appointment fills the vacancy left by Lauren Lowery.
    • Term structure as described above.
  • Sec. 3: Requires transmission of the resolution to the nominee and to the Office of the Mayor upon adoption.
  • Sec. 4: States the resolution takes effect immediately.

Nominee Background (as stated in the bill)

  • Rev. Thomas Bowen is an ordained minister and a national leader in public engagement, social impact, and faith-based initiatives.
  • Current roles:
    • Founder & Chief Engagement Officer, EngageFaith (since Jan 2025)
    • Founding Partner, Black Diary 1887 LLC (since May 2025)
  • Prior government and public service roles:
    • Senior Advisor for Faith Engagement, White House (Feb 2024–Jan 2025)
    • Director roles in the DC Mayor’s Office related to African American Affairs and Religious Affairs (2021–2024; 2016–2024)
    • Various leadership positions in DC and national faith-based and community organizations
  • Education: BA in History from Morehouse College; additional study at Yale Divinity School and University of Chicago Divinity School
  • Residency: Ward 5, Washington, DC

Who is Affected

  • Primary: Rev. Thomas Bowen (appointment to the DC Commission on Human Rights)
  • The DC Commission on Human Rights will gain a new member to contribute to policy, enforcement, education, and civil rights initiatives.
  • The public may be affected indirectly through the Commission’s activities addressing discrimination, equality, and human rights protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Nomination submitted by Mayor Muriel Bowser on May 15, 2026.
  • Referred to the Council Committee on Public Works and Operations on May 19, 2026.
  • Resolution, once adopted by the Council, will be transmitted to the nominee and the Mayor's Office.
  • Effective date: Immediate upon adoption (per Sec. 4).

Additional Notes

  • The bill includes a standard legal sufficiency review, indicating no objections from the Mayor’s Office of General Counsel.
  • The resolution is titled “Commission on Human Rights Reverend Thomas Bowen Confirmation Resolution of 2026” and formalizes the confirmation process for the appointment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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