Darryl Barnes

Delegate, Dist. 25
Maryland Legislative Black Caucus Chairman

Born in Washington and a graduate of High Point High School in Beltsville, Del. Darryl Barnes, D-Prince George’s, spent years in the military before settling down again in Prince George’s County to pursue a career in information technology.

He founded Men Aiming Higher in 2009, a nonprofit that uses tutoring, leadership training and mentoring to help at-risk young men. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2014 and has held a series of leadership positions in the General Assembly.

He has been chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus since 2018.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

Helping to settle the 15-year federal lawsuit that addressed the inequities in funding to the MD HBCUs, which provided $577 million to those historically black universities and colleges. I am also proud of addressing the diversity in the area of medical cannabis and championing the issue of equity and inclusion in the area of sports betting.

What is the most important life lesson you have learned?

The importance of listening. “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise” (Proverbs 19:20). Listen from a nonpersonal position to hear clearly what the person is trying to say. Good communication skills are essential for success.

What do you do for fun, and why?

Being a former athlete, fun for me is watching and participating in my son’s soccer games.