Founded in 2023, the Ernie Barnes Legacy Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 public charity committed to paying it forward. There are numerous obstacles in life that restrict creativity, especially financial.
Ernie Barnes was assisted several times during his life. He received a full athletic scholarship to North Carolina College (now NCCU) where he majored in art. When he retired from the NFL, a football team owner sponsored his first solo art exhibition. In his 30s, a television producer arranged for Barnes’ art to appear on a popular national series where it gained weekly exposure to millions of households.
The Ernie Barnes Legacy Project supports students, athletes and creatives, and preserves the artistic and cultural contributions of Ernie Barnes.
about
Ernie Barnes Legacy Project pledges a $1 million gift to name the Ernie Barnes Fine Arts Building at the artist’s alma mater, North Carolina Central University. Read Press Release
NEWS
officers
PRESIDENT
LUZ RODRIGUEZ met Ernie Barnes when she worked in the news department of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee and he was appointed the official Sports Artist for the 1984 Summer Games. In 1988, Barnes hired her as his personal assistant. Since 2009, Luz has managed all aspects of Barnes’ work, including his Catalogue Raisonné, documentary, books and film. Luz is a member of USC Cardinal & Gold, Lakers Nation and was named the “First and #1 Carolina Panthers Fan in California.”
SECRETARY
DEIDRE “DD“ BARNES is the eldest daughter of Ernie Barnes and a consultant to the estate. She also serves as Vice President and Board member on The Friends of Geer Cemetery, one of the oldest African American cemeteries and the final resting place of John W. Geer, Ernie Barnes’ maternal grandfather. DD is a proud alum of her father’s alma maters, Hillside High and North Carolina Central University (both in Durham, NC). DD cherishes her faith in Jesus Christ, her family, lifelong friendships and being a Dog Mom.
CFO/TREASURER
AVON RUFFIN is a North Carolina native and graduate of North Carolina Central University with a BA and MA in History. She and her late husband Benjamin S. Ruffin Jr. were close friends of Ernie Barnes. Avon is a retired educator and administrator, avid traveler and reader, and collector of art (mainly NC artists).
The guidelines for submitting proposals for scholarships and grants will be available in the Fall of 2025. In the meantime, please email any inquiries to legacyproject@erniebarnes.com.