A native of Louisburg North Carolina, Jairod graduated from historic Hampton University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Performance. During his tenure at Hampton, he used his musical talents to serve under multiple ministries, with the most impactful being Second Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk Virginia under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey V. Guns.

 

It was while serving as a staffed musician there that Jairod allowed the teachings of Dr. Guns to water the foundational seeds that had been sown in him by his childhood hero, Pastor and grandfather Rev. Benjamin A. Barnes, Sr. These two factors helped
to propel him to pursue a life of ministry as he now serves as a licensed ordained Minister.

 

Jairod began his professional career as a music educator and soon found roots as a behavior interventionist, coach and athletic director within the educational system. He currently serves as a Youth Behavior Specialist for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety under Juvenile
Justice where he assists in their commitment to the reduction and prevention of juvenile delinquency by effectively intervening, educating and treating youth in order to strengthen families and increase public safety.

 

He has served as a Lead Pastor, a Human Relations Commission member in Wilson County and is currently advancing himself educationally as he has successfully completed his second year to obtain his Master’s degree in Divinity and Clinical Mental Health, from Campbell University. Jairod believes his love for people is God’s gift cementing his call to serve in the secular and the sacred and whether in the pulpit or his position
on the job, he is convicted to lead in a way that is fair and equitable for all.

Jairod is a wonderful husband to the lovely Brittnei M. Barnes who is currently expecting to deliver their new addition early December 2020, and doting daddy to three beautiful girls, all of whom are exceedingly proud of the man of God he has become and is becoming. It is his growth, desire for continued growth and influence as a man, husband, father and faith leader that
gives Jairod a unique perspective on the idea of what it means to be a Black Man in America. Moreover, he is excited for the vision and platform of The Gentleman’s Guide offering him the opportunity to share his truth and authenticity.