Position Sought
Atlanta City Council, Post 3 At-Large
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Date of General Election
November 5, 2024
General Election Donation Limit
$3,300
Race/Ethnicity
Black/African-American/Afro-Caribbean
Gender Identity
Cisgender Man
Sexual Orientation
Bisexual
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Connect with Devin Barrington-Ward
Devin will be the only Black LGBTQ+ member of the Atlanta City Council!
Biography
Devin Barrington-Ward is a visionary leader and dedicated advocate for social justice, whose work has profoundly impacted Atlanta and beyond. As a candidate for a citywide seat on the Atlanta City Council, Devin has consistently championed the rights and voices of marginalized communities, especially within the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. His journey of activism and public service began at a young age, fueled by a deep commitment to justice and equity.
Devin’s career is marked by a series of significant accomplishments that reflect his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society. He has been instrumental in securing increased HIV funding at the city and state levels and played a pivotal role in passing Georgia’s first PrEP pilot program, which was signed by the Governor in 2018. Devin’s leadership extends to reappropriating $15 million from the city corrections department to fund community safety programs, demonstrating his commitment to transforming how public safety is approached in Atlanta.
In response to a water crisis that threatened small businesses, Devin sprang into action, securing $7.5 million in financial assistance for those impacted. He also co-led the expansion of police diversion services citywide via the 311 system, helping to reduce unnecessary incarcerations and provide critical services to those in need.
Devin’s advocacy is deeply personal, shaped by his own experiences with homelessness. During his tenure as Director of Communications at the DC City Council, he used his experience to secure funding for dedicated shelter space for LGBTQ youth and spearheaded policies to ensure that young people engaged in survival sex work receive services instead of being locked up. These efforts have been life-changing for many vulnerable youth in Washington, DC.
In addition to his public service, Devin is the founder and former President of Impulse Group DC, an organization dedicated to saving the lives of Black gay men through HIV prevention and entertainment initiatives. His commitment to health equity is further demonstrated by his role as a former Senior Health Equity Fellow with the National Coalition of STD Directors, where he focused on addressing disparities in sexual health outcomes.
As a bisexual, polyamorous man married to a gender-fluid, pansexual Black woman, Devin is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. His work as a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, both in Atlanta and nationally, has earned him recognition as a leading voice in the fight for equality. His story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the principles of equity, inclusion, and human dignity.
Devin’s passion for justice and freedom is not just a personal mission but a family legacy. He is the great- great-great-grandson of Minister Paul Bogle, one of Jamaica’s National Heroes. Paul Bogle led the Morant Bay Rebellion in 1865, a pivotal uprising against the British colonial government. Bogle’s courage in leading the protest for justice and self-determination was met with brutal repression, and he was ultimately lynched for his role. However, his bravery and sacrifice paved the way for greater freedoms and the advancement of rights for Black Jamaicans.
Devin carries this legacy forward, continuing the fight for justice and equity for all in the City of Atlanta.