Beverly Lynn Barnes, a longtime friend and contributor of Jubilee Housing, died on Jan. 16, 2021, at her sister’s house in Maryland of complications from ovarian cancer.
Beverly came “from a family of strivers whose distinguished accomplishments are all the more remarkable when considered in the contexts of time and race.” She herself led an accomplished career in communications spanning decades. In 2012, Beverly started Beverly Barnes Communications. Having served in the Clinton administration, and held high-level positions at the Podesta Group, GMMB, and Fannie Mae, Beverly had tremendous experience and passion to share.
Beverly made outstanding contributions to the Jubilee mission in the years she worked with us. From helping us incorporate justice housingTM into our everyday messaging, to creating the Justice Housing Partners Fund marketing deck, she helped us elevate our culture and our impact. The marketing deck helped the organization to raise the $5+ million needed to acquire four new properties that will become deeply affordable homes for 120 DC families.
In Beverly’s last few weeks, she donated a “Prelude to a New Columbia” by Sam Gilliam, a world-renowned African American artist who resides in Washington, D.C to Jubilee Housing. Her gift will hang in our next new development and will be an enduring symbol for Jubilee Housing residents, reminding them of the power they have in creating a city that works for everyone.
Jim Knight, President & CEO, stated that “Beverly’s deep spirit and fierce will for justice made a mark on us. We are a better organization because of her contributions, which will live on for generations to come.”
Beverly’s sister Karla plans to organize a celebration of Beverly’s life when the pandemic no longer restricts travel and gatherings. In recognition and memory of Beverly, contributions may be made to the John L. Dart Library in Charleston, S.C. Those wishing to make a donation can follow this link: https://www.ccpl.org/news/john-l-darts-great-granddaughter-beverly-lynn-barnes-passes-away-62