The Honorable Dr. Darryl Barnes was raised in the Washington Metropolitan Area and planted his roots in Prince George’s County, Maryland after serving in the U.S. Army and Navy. Delegate Barnes honorably represents the 25th Legislative District in the Maryland House of Delegates (2015-present). In the General Assembly, he serves as the Deputy Majority Whip (2017-present), the 1st Vice Chair to the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus (2016-present) and is a member of the Maryland Veteran’s Caucus (2015-present). He was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee (2015-present) where he serves on the Election Law Subcommittee, Revenues subcommittee, and Finance Resources subcommittee. As a member of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, Delegate Barnes displays his knowledge as the Vice Chair of the Education Subcommittee (2017-present). In each role, Delegate Barnes passionately and tirelessly stands for the rights and well-being of over 125,000 constituents he represents.
As an avid basketball player and fan, Delegates Barnes coupled his passion for the sport and his desire to uplift and mentor African-American youth and teens when he founded Men Aiming Higher (2007-present), a grassroots, not-for-profit organization that mentors at-risk young men and adults. What began as Wednesday evening basketball games for Delegate Barnes and a few friends, evolved to become a highly-effective, mentoring organization with over 100 volunteers who deliver health and wellness programs, job training, tutoring, mentoring, and cultural activities to at-risk young men in the greater Prince George’s County community. To date, more than 700 mentees have benefited from the work of Men Aiming Higher.
Under Delegate Barnes’ leadership (2009-present), Men Aiming Higher’s impact on the community has included after-school tutoring and mentoring, health walks, charity basketball games, Father’s Day cookouts, health clinics, weekend field trips, Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for families in need, Toys for Tots distribution, and job fairs.
In addition, Delegate Barnes presently serves or has had the honor of serving on the following boards and commissions; Board of Directors for the Capitol Heights/Seat Pleasant Boys and Girls Club (2014 – 2016); Vice President of the Parklawn Chapter of Blacks in Government (2009 -2014); Member of the NAACP Executive Committee (2012 – 2014); Member of the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce (Economic Development Corporation) 2016 – Present); and Board Member of the Westin Home Owners Association (2006 – 2013).
Delegate Barnes has received the following awards –
2017 – President Lifetime Achievement Award (Trinity Girls Network)
2017 – I am L.E.E Living Education Everyday Award (Mike Robinson)
2013 – Metal of the Unsung Heroes of Fathers Men & Boys Award (Congressional Black Caucus)
2013 – Wisdom, Wealth, and Wellness Award
2013 – Community Service (County Executive Rushern Baker)
2013 – Community Partner (Town of Capitol Heights)
2012 – L.O.V.E. Award (Harlem Remembrance Foundation)
2012 – Men Who Make a Difference (Mentoring to Manhood)
2012 – Citation for improving the lives of young people within the community (Delegate Aisha Braveboy)
2012 – Governor’s Citation for Feed the Families (Governor Martin O’Malley)
Delegate Barnes is a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and Army.
He received his PMP Certification Training from George Washington University, attended Long Beach State College and has received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from CICA University & Seminary School.
He also is a member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and is styled by fashion stylist L’Tonya Davis.
Delegate Barnes lives in Prince Georges County with his wife, Makeba and their two sons Dylan & Drew.