Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Honors the Life and Legacy of Thomas Mangrum, Jr.
Posted in News
The Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (GUCEDD) joins DC’s disability community in mourning the loss of Thomas Mangrum, Jr., a beloved community member, leader, and tireless advocate for people with disabilities.
Thomas devoted his life to advancing the rights and voices of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring that their experiences and perspectives were central to shaping the policies and practices that affect their lives. He was a longtime leader with Project ACTION! and a dedicated participant in multiple GUCEDD research and training initiatives.
Thomas brought light, warmth, and friendship everywhere he went. We will remember his love of birds—their cheerful songs often heard in the background as he spoke with passion about advocacy, community, and justice. He also expressed his vision for inclusion through poetry, co-writing “Living with a Developmental Disability,” which can be viewed here: Watch the Poem.
“Thomas challenged us to be bold. His honesty, persistence, and vision reminded us what true advocacy looks like. His leadership strengthened the movement for equity and inclusion across the District and beyond,” said Tawara Goode, Director of the GUCEDD. Thomas embodied the mission of the GUCEDD: to advance self-determination among people with developmental and other disabilities and their families, and to advocate for their full participation in all aspects of community life. He was not only an advocate but also a mentor, a teacher, a bridge-builder, and a friend. His unwavering commitment to justice and inclusion leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire and guide our work.
The impact of Thomas’s leadership can be seen across the District of Columbia. Thomas never shied away from fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. His voice, vision, and passion are his legacy. We extend our deepest sympathies to Thomas’s family and friends. While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate his remarkable contributions and the enduring mark he leaves on our community.
Celebration of Life
Friends, colleagues, and community members are invited to honor Thomas at his Celebration of Life service, hosted by Quality Trust.
Please join us in celebrating a life well lived.
October 9, 2025
Westminster Presbyterian Church
400 I St SW, WDC 20024
Viewing: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Service: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Brief interment to follow at
Heritage Memorial Cemetery
13472 Poplar Hill Road
Waldorf, MD 20601
We invite you to make a donation to Project Action!
in lieu of flowers & to support a future Celebration of Life using this link.
About the Georgetown University Center for Excellence in Developmental
Disabilities (GUCEDD):
The mission of the GUCEDD is to advance self-determination among the diversity of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families, throughout the life course, and to advocate for their full participation in all aspects of community life.
University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities | Box 571485 | Washington, D.C. | 20057-1485 | 202-687-5000 | Fax: 202-687-1954 |
email: ucedd@georgetown.edu