DeWayne Barton is an artist and community leader with over 30 years of experience in youth development and social and environmental justice. A Gulf War Veteran and native of Asheville, NC, DeWayne's mixed-media art has been featured at Duke University, the Smithsonian Institution's Anacostia Community Museum, and the August Wilson Museum, reflecting his dedication to advocacy and equity.

As the Founder and CEO of Hood Huggers International LLC and Co-Founder of Hood Huggers Foundation, DeWayne has created impactful initiatives, including Hood Tours, Peace Gardens & Market, Green Opportunities, and the Hood Huggers Under Instruction youth development model. Green Opportunities, which he co-founded, was the region's first green job training program, addressing economic and environmental challenges through workforce development.

In 2019, he was recognized as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader. DeWayne served as former President of the Burton Street Community Association, is a current member of the Asheville Buncombe Community Reparations Commission, a past appointee to the NC Arts Council Board, and a 2022 Fellow with the Appalachian Regional Commission's Leadership Institute.

His latest endeavor, Blue Note Junction, is a community health and business resiliency hub that combines economic development, cultural preservation, and climate resilience. In 2024, he launched the Network of Good to integrate his many initiatives into a unified vision for community empowerment and sustainability.

DeWayne is the author of three books, including The CAP Playbook, a roadmap for grassroots development. His work continues to inspire transformative change and celebrate the rich history of Asheville's African American communities.