David Hugo Barrett spent his formative years growing up in Newark, New Jersey.  He attended Newark’s public schools before earning his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Rutgers University and a Master’s degree in computer science from Howard University. During his 35 year career as an IT professional, he co-founded the Alpha Achievers program in 1997; an academic and leadership club that targets African males in Howard County high schools, grades 9-12 who have a 3.0 or better grade point average. He started a second career teaching algebra and geometry in the high school program of the County’s alternative school. After twelve years teaching, he retired in July 2018. He writes poems when they come to him.

​

His community service, all in Howard County, includes director on the board of the Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc. and the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, past president of the Howard County Library System, past chairman of The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc., former director of the Horizon Foundation and past president of the Kappa Phi Lambda Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

​

He has been married since 1976 to Saundra V. Barrett.   He has one son with her and two sons from his previous marriage. Among the three sons he has six grandchildren.

​

"A Newark Childhood" is the first volume of a planned trilogy.