"Clarence Barney was synonymous with the Urban League in New Orleans for over thirty years. He was an important figure in building bridges between the black and white communities in New Orleans in the 1960's and 1970's. He built the Urban League of Greater New Orleans into an important, respected and effective organization that helped thousands of people find jobs and gain the skills to move into the economic mainstream. My father, Dutch Morial and I considered Clarence a close friend and trusted ally and advisor. We extend our prayers and sympathies to his wife Marie and his two sons, Shawn (former NUL Trustee) and Keith," said Marc Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League.

Clarence L. Barney was welcomed by National Urban League President Whitney Young in 1966 as the newly appointed CEO of the Urban League of Greater New Orleans affiliate. In 1962 he had joined the New Orleans affiliate staff as director of the OJT and Manpower Programs. Under his leadership, programs and activities in employment and training, economic development, education, housing, community organization and empowerment; were developed to address community concerns and needs. The affiliate was a powerful force in advocating for the rights of African Americans and other minorities.

A hallmark of Barney's career was participating and developing activities that benefited the affiliate and the Movement. In the late 60's Whitney Young requested that Barney accompany him to a White House Conference to negotiate federal resources for children and families. These negotiations led to the Federal Resources Initiative that benefited the Movement and black institutions nation-wide. In 1976, Clarence helped negotiate the Winn Dixie Compact, an annual meeting between the Winn Dixie Board, NUL President and designated affiliate CEOs. that resulted in funding for the affiliates and the National Urban League.

Perhaps his most enduring contribution to the Movement, occurred during is term as president of the Council of Urban Leagues Executives (AOE). Barney convinced Vernon Jordan of the validity of convening the Mid-Winter Meetings for CEOs and NUL staff. That meeting has been institutionalized as one of the key meetings of the Movement.

NUL selected him as one of five CEOs to participate in a senior level management course at Harvard University; and Clarence served on the Commission on Structure and a Futurist Committee to chart the future direction of the League. He hosted the 1968 and 1996 Annual Conference. After the 1968 conference, Whitney imposed the New Thrust, Community Grass Roots Initiative on the Movement; and in 1996 Hugh Price left Louisiana a 21st Century model for Affirmative Action.

A native of New Orleans, Barney held degrees from Southern, Tulane and Kansas State Universities. He completed post-graduate studies at the Harvard Business School and MIT. A member and Vice President of the Quarter Century Club, his volunteer leadership activities were local and national in scope. Clarence received the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Medallion in 1997. Mr. Barney Clarence retired in 1996 and served under four National Urban League presidents.