Jamal Barnes is a native and lifelong resident of East Orange, NJ. He is the husband of Demetrisha Barnes, and the father of two girls, Lachelle and Maya. In 1994, he graduated summa cum laude from Bethune-Cookman College with a BS in elementary education, having successfully completed the college’s honors and Presidential Scholar’s program. He has been elected to the National Honor Society, Who’s Among American High School Students, and Kappa Delta Pi National Honor Society in Education. Commissioner Barnes has received numerous awards for outstanding academic achievement, community service, youth leadership, and church leadership.
IN 1994, Commissioner Barnes began a career in education in the Orange School District, teaching 8th grade science and math. In 2001, Commissioner Barnes began teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade math in the South Orange/ Maplewood School District. During his career, Commissioner Barnes distinguished himself by earning outstanding observations for excellence in the classroom, and commendations from students, administrators, parents, and peers alike. Currently, Commissioner Barnes has just completed his second year of law study at the Rutgers University-Newark School of Law, where he worked in the Special Education clinic, representing parents on behalf of children with learning disabilities.
Commissioner Barnes has also distinguished himself musically. Having begun playing piano at age seven, Commissioner Barnes has since served as musician and choir director for several churches, including, among others, Bethany Baptist Church of Newark, and Christ Church of Montclair. Commissioner Barnes has also performed, traveled, and recorded with the New Jersey Mass Choir, and the Bethune-Cookman College Concert Chorale, where he was student director. Commissioner Barnes has also conducted musical workshops in St. Petersburg, FL, for over 125 youth, and has directed the Freedom Schools National Choir for the Children’s Defense Fund, founded by Marian Wright Edelman, with whom he has directly worked. Commissioner Barnes currently performs with his own gospel ensemble, Adoration, which has performed at Symphony Hall, NJPAC, and other venues.
Commissioner Barnes was elected a member of the Democratic County Committee of the 4th ward, 13th district of the City of East Orange in June 2004. The East Orange City Council approved Commissioner Barnes’ appointment to the East Orange Housing Board of Commissioners in June 2006. Commissioner Barnes continues to be involved heavily in the community and the local schools, helping empower people to advocate for their rights and improve their communities.
