Dwayne Barnes

Actor. Author. Freedom Coach.

Founder of The Courage To Be™

Turning trauma into truth, and authenticity into legacy.

The Story
Dwayne Barnes is a Hollywood actor, author, speaker, and the visionary behind The Courage To Be™ — a transformational movement dedicated to helping people turn their pain into power, and their stories into soul-aligned leadership.
Raised in Detroit and forged through abandonment, addiction, and spiritual reckoning, Dwayne first became known for his unforgettable performance in the cult classic Menace II Society. His portrayal of the crack-addicted man left a lasting cultural imprint — not because it glorified the struggle, but because it reflected it.
That same unfiltered truth-telling now powers every part of his brand.

The Artist & Advocate
With a decades-long acting career that includes films like Big George Foreman and TV appearances on Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: LA, and more, Dwayne has used performance as a sacred expression of humanity. But what matters most to him is what happens off camera — the healing, the awakening, the conversations we don’t have enough.
He’s the author of two transformational ebooks:

• Their Eyes Were Never On Me – a raw, soul-stirring journey through trauma, addiction, and self-redemption.
• Authenticity Over Approval – a bold invitation to stop shrinking and start living your truth.

His essays have been featured in Deadline, and his story continues to open minds and move hearts.

The Movement: The Courage To Be™
More than a brand, The Courage To Be™ is a sacred rebellion. A rising. A space for anyone ready to:

• Heal their past
• Reclaim their identity
• Lead with truth
• Build generational freedom

Through:

• The podcast (The Pivotal Point w/ Dwayne Barnes)
• YouTube & Substack insights
• Guided meditations & Freedom Coaching

...Dwayne helps people break generational cycles and build lives of soul-level purpose.

"Your story is not your shame—it's your superpower." — Dwayne Barnes

Let’s Work Together
Looking to go deeper?

• Book a coaching session: https://authordwaynebarnes.com/pages/the-courage-to-be-freedom-coaching
• Subscribe on Substack: https://substack.com/@dwaynebarnes
• Listen to the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pivotal-point-w-dwayne-barnes/id1790357089
• Download free meditation: https://dwayne-barnes.kit.com/16a3a3b18d