Roy Barnes, is an author, Motivational Speaker and CEO of The Barnes Foundation. He is the first African American to become Governor of the State of Georgia and the first African American to serve as Governor of any state on the east coast. He was also the first African American to be elected as a U.S. Congressman from Georgia
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Barnes was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 19, 1931 where he attended public schools and graduated from South Atlanta High School. He attended Morehouse College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Later he went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Howard Law School.
In 1975, Roy became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and was later inducted into the Gamma Sigma Chapter at Morehouse College. In 1990, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Morehouse College for his service to his country and his community as a leader in education, business and politics. In addition to serving as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Roy served as President of the Inter-University Club at Morehouse College from 1978-1981 and President of the Metro Atlanta Urban League from 1981-1989.
He has received multiple awards including: Founder’s Citation Award from Jacksonville Kennel Club for outstanding contributions to dog shows; Community Service Award from Junior Achievement; Community Service Award from National Conference for Community and Justice; Outstanding Business Leader Award from State Chamber of Commerce; Humanitarian Award from United Way; Outstanding Citizen Award from State Bar Association; All Star Leadership Award from Rotary International
