Where D.C.’s mayor has gone, Lateef Mangum has followed for the past 13 years, snapping away with his camera. During that time, the North Carolina native has been the official photographer for the city’s top politician, tailing Marion Barry, Anthony Williams and now Adrian Fenty.
How did you come into this position?
I was working at D.C. General [Hospital] as an audiovisual specialist, and while I was there — it was during [former Mayor] Sharon Pratt Kelly’s administration — I produced a multimedia presentation for a prayer breakfast. She and her people loved it so much that they decided to bring me into the mayor’s office. It was near the end of her term, and Marion Barry beat her in the next election and decided to keep me on.
Are there photos from over the years that you find most telling or distinct?
During Williams’ tenure, I traveled with him to Africa and China. In the trip to South Africa, Barry was part of the delegation. I have a shot on Robben Island with the two of them and Cape Town in the background. It’s quite unique.
Have you ever weighed in on city policy?
No, but I was once asked by one of the mayors about a policy question. It was a rare occasion. That’s what’s kept me in this job as long as I have been. Policy-makers tend to move on or be fired.
What stands out about the current mayor?
I think everyone realizes Mayor Fenty loves this city. He was born here, he was raised here. He has a laser focus on maintaining city services. That focus is very unique among the mayors I’ve seen.
