Shayler Richmond Barnes Jr.

 

Shayler is a culture strategist utilizing the transformative power of storytelling to drive social change. Author of BLACK BOYS FLY. He founded The Rich Family, an intentional storytelling system that joins Rich Mag Digital (RMD), #RichTalk, and Rich Publishing Studio (RPS) under Rich Reaches Out (RRO). RRO is a policy and narrative-building nonprofit organization balancing social justice and public health to advance equity. In addition, he is the founder of the Black Media Association (BMA), a nonprofit organization separate from The Rich Family system, advancing equity in media. 

 

Through his writing and other work, Shayler assesses trauma through a lens of being made whole to direct how people are connected. His work builds people and community by embracing ethical stories that have long been overlooked and providing structural solutions to remedy racial health inequity.

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Shayler’s journey in storytelling began in high school as a reporter, writer, and editor. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and marketing, sharpening his advocacy, research, and business skills while staying committed to promoting social welfare. He expanded his expertise with a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina Central University and further pursued a law degree in America's capital, deepening his understanding of policy and justice.

 

Showing the path to holistic liberation, Shayler informs how the one whole is connected to support a physical world where all who choose this one whole have an equitable opportunity to be well. In true knowledge of God, as a Rich Mag Digital writer, a #RichTalk co-host, a Director of Rich Reaches Out, a Director of Black Media Association, and beyond, he translates the loving and just demand for equity into action.