top of page
Black History Everyday-v1.jpg
Trailblazer_Ernie Barnes-v1.jpg

Ernie Barnes

Trailblazer_Malcolm X-Quote-v1a.png
trailblazer
archives

To view, Click-on any name below:

​

Sen. Ralph Hunt

​

Sen. Jeanne Lucas

​

Anna Pauline Murray

​

Louis E. Austin

​

Kristen Hopkins

​

Donald Fozard Sr.

​

MaryAnn Black

​

Charles Spaulding

​

Cora Cole-McFadden

​

James T. Taylor

​

Phyllis Coley

​

Aaron McDuffie Moore

​

Carolyn Denton Johnson

​

Richard Burton Fitzgerald 

​

Helen Edmonds

​

John Merrick

DCABP Inc. “Trailblazer” Honoring Our Legacy

​

              Tribute to Ernie Barnes  

​​​

Ernie Barnes was a groundbreaking artist best known for his vibrant, dynamic paintings and his unique depiction of the human figure. His work combined a love of sports, cultural narratives, and the human experience, capturing energy and movement in ways that resonated deeply with both African American and broader audiences. Born in Durham, North Carolina, Barnes' early years were shaped by the social and racial tensions of the South, which would later influence much of his work.

​

​Before pursuing a career as an artist, Barnes attended North Carolina Central University, where he majored in art. He played professional football, being selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1960 NFL draft. He spent time with various franchises including: New York Titans, San Diego Chargers, and Denver Broncos. His experience as an athlete became central to his artistic vision, and the flowing, elongated figures in his paintings. unveiled his outlook of how to depict muscle and grace in an exaggerated, surreal way.​

​

After his football career, Barnes devoted himself fully to art. He studied at the Art Students League in New York, where he refined his skills and began developing the visual style that would become his signature. One of his most defining stylistic features was his focus on elongated figures that seemed to stretch beyond the typical bounds of proportion. His works were often filled with energy, depicting dancers, musicians, athletes, and everyday people in exaggerated forms. The exaggerated limbs and contorted postures of his figures conveyed a sense of power, and struggle.

​

​Barnes’ artwork gained wider recognition through his distinctive series of paintings that combined elements of social commentary with depictions of African American life. His works were often an exploration of the complexities of Black identity. His work was deeply connected to the civil rights movement and reflected the growing social and political awareness of the time. He sought to capture the struggles and triumphs of the Black experience, depicting people most often underrepresented in the art world.

​

​One of his most famous works, "The Sugar Shack," epitomizes his distinctive style and thematic focus. The painting, which depicts a lively social scene at a Black-owned nightclub, was later used as the cover art for the popular TV show, Good Times. This connection to the show brought Barnes even greater visibility, and his art became widely associated with positive, dynamic representations of African American life. The original painting was purchased by Eddie Murphy from Marvin Gaye’s estate. A second painting was sold by an auction house for more than $15 million dollars. Other important works by Barnes include “The Advocate”, “From The Pocket”, and many more.

Throughout his career, Barnes exhibited his work in numerous galleries and museums, including solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian and the California African

​

​American Museum. Despite facing the challenges of being an African American artist in a predominantly white art world, Barnes persisted, ultimately finding success and recognition. His work continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today, not just for its technical skill, but for its emotional depth and social significance.

​

​Ernie Barnes’ legacy endures through his art, which continues to captivate audiences with its portrayal of the human form, its cultural commentary, and its celebration of the resilience of the African American community.

DCABP Inc.

“GAME CHANGerS”

Recognizing Our Future

​​

GC_Pierce Freelon_p1_edited_edited_edite
young african american female in music & poetry.jpg
african american educator_edited.jpg
young african american male and female politicians.jpg

Pierce Freelon is an award-winning musician, educator, and public servant. He was born and raised in Durham, NC, and represents a new generation of Black changemakers who blend art, activism and education to empower and uplift their communities. As the founder of Blackspace, a digital makerspace for youth, and a former Durham City Council Member, Freelon has devoted his life to creating spaces where African American voices are heard, affirmed, and celebrated.

​

​Freelon’s contributions span across music, education, and policy. His Grammy-nominated albums for children, such as “D.a.D” and “Black to the Future” provide affirming, culturally relevant soundtracks for Black families. Through his work on the Emmy Award–winning PBS series Beat Making Lab and his founding of Blackspace, Freelon has helped democratize access to technology and creative expression for Black youth in Durham and around the world. His programs teach beat-making, spoken word, coding, and storytelling, all rooted in Afrofuturism and cultural pride.

​

As a powerful voice in politics and public life, Freelon brought his creative ethos to Durham’s City Council where he championed participatory budgeting, youth-centered policies, and equitable investment in historically underserved communities. He is a bold advocate for systemic change, community-based leadership, and culturally competent public policy. His civic work continues the legacy of Durham’s progressive Black leadership, grounded in the belief that policy should reflect the lived experiences of the people it serves.

​

Beyond his official roles, Freelon is a bridge between generations. As the son of Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and renowned architect Philip Freelon, Pierce carries a legacy of excellence in the arts and design. His work as an author, publishing “Daddy-Daughter Day”, along with his national public speaking reflect his commitment to nurturing healthy Black families, promoting mental wellness, and telling stories that reflect the fullness of the Black experience.

​

Freelon’s presence in Durham is more than symbolic, it is transformative. His work has empowered a generation of young Black creatives to find their voice, tell their stories, and shape their futures with confidence and pride. Freelon reminds us that liberation can be joyful, that justice can be poetic, and that art can be a tool of transformation.

​

Pierce Freelon stands as a symbol of innovation, creativity, and community power. The city of Durham and the future of Black creative leadership in America have been immeasurably shaped by his voice and vision. His work continues to inspire youth and elderly alike, making him a true GAME CHANGer whose legacy of radical imagination and collective care will echo through Durham and beyond for generations to come.

Joee Starke is a 21-year-old North Carolina Central University senior. Starke is a native of Greensboro, NC who relocated to Durham, NC in pursuit of attaining his bachelor’s degree. Starke is a mass communication major who wants to become a director one day. He is currently the president of the 1910 Film Alliance, and he is a local DJ.

​​

Starke wants to create a change by working with youth, families and communities in an attempt to help them seek out their creative nature through things such as community service , workshops and more. The motivation that drives Starke is seeing others create in a safe space as well as individuals who have supported his efforts. Now in a position to help, Starke states that he will not disappoint and will help guide others as much as he can to achieve their own version of success. 

GC_Carol Mabiala-p1_edited.jpg

Carol Mabiala is 24 years old and was born and raised in Raleigh North Carolina. Mabiala's family roots stem from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Carol's big dream in life is to help others become great which is why she has been working at NCCU with TRIO, a federal program that helps high school students on their journey to receive the correct tools and resources needed to become great leaders and even if interested begin their journey as college students.  

​

As an undergraduate student at Meredith College Carol where she received her bachelors, Carol studied child development doubled minored in both family and consumer science and art studio. Carol has a Masters in science in family and consumer science with a concentration in Human Development and studies and credits all of her achievements and work to her inspiration to her lord and savior Jesus Christ as well as her mentor who has been with her since the early age of 12 years old. Carol has stated that she will continue to fight for children through navigating and creating better opportunities for all the teenagers she works with and all of the staff members around her.

GC_Carol Mabiala-Audio1-090424
00:00 / 01:39

Our Legacy Prepared Us

Address

Email

Phone

Durham Committee On The Affairs Of Black People, Inc.

PO Box 52171

Durham, NC 27717 

  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

© 2024 DCABP, Inc. Proudly created by TRNSND Media & Design LLC

bottom of page