In May, Cheryl K. Barnes, a longtime Freelance Homeless Activist and Legal Clinic Board member since 1997, passed away. All of us at the Legal Clinic mourn her passing. Cheryl’s friendship, wisdom, and talent are enduring gifts to the Legal Clinic community, and we carry them with us on the continued journey toward housing justice.
Cheryl was an active homeless activist. She was part of the Speaker’s Bureau at the National Coalition for the Homeless and was one of the first impacted community members to be on the D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness. She was active in the Fair Budget Coalition and testified at many D.C. Council hearings.
Cheryl also left behind a legacy of art. She generously shared her art with us over the years, whether auctioning off pieces for fundraisers or brightening our living and working spaces. A little window into her life and her art can be found here.
We welcome your memories of Cheryl in the comments below. May her memory and her impact bring inspiration to us all.
Artist: Cheryl K. Barnes
Artist: Cheryl K. Barnes
Artist: Cheryl K. Barnes
What a beautiful tribute. Cheryl’s contributions to the Legal Clinic were dynamic and long-lasting. Her commitment to this worthy cause was unwavering. Even in her final days on earth, she was interested in the future of the Legal Clinic. She will be missed, but her impact on this organization lives on.
Cheryl was a beautfiul person, a talented artist, and a passionate advocate. She will be missed.
Thanks for sharing this tribute. I was honored to work with Cheryl in my early days at DCFPI
So sad to hear of Cheryl’s passing, she lived a life of service to others, and her internal compass for justice was infallible!
I am so sorry to hear of Cheryl’s passing – she was such a bright light – always a kind word as well as a piercing dedication to housing justice. I always looked for to seeing her when I served on the board.
My heart goes out to Cheryl. I am so proud of all she has done and all she had to overcome. She was my next door neighbor in the 1960’s when we were living in NE, DC. So glad she was able to use her full potential to make an impact in the world. Rest In Power Cheryl.