Byron Strafford Barnett

Byron Strafford Barnett (1955-2025)
With deep love and sorrow, we share the passing of Byron Strafford Barnett on August 3, 2025, at the age of 69. An Emmy-winning television journalist and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and cherished friend and relative to many, Byron's warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew him.
Born November 3, 1955, Byron grew up in South Minneapolis on Snelling Avenue and worshiped at St. James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first African American congregation in Minnesota. He graduated from Roosevelt High School and earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the Hubbard School of Journalism & Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota.
Byron began his career at KSTP News in Minneapolis, and later joined 7News (WHDH-TV) in Boston, where for the next 38 years he reported daily stories that chronicled the life of New England. He was known for his coverage of dangerous snowstorms; trials, such as Arron Hernandez and Jimmy Bulger; scores of major local and national events and every U.S. presidential race since Reagan-Mondale. Of all his assignments, Byron often said his interview with Muhammad Ali was his personal favorite.
Byron also hosted Urban Update, a weekly public-affairs program that amplified voices from Boston's Black, Latino, and immigrant communities—interviewing policymakers, activists, and community leaders with the same respect and rigor he brought to nightly news. A committed union leader, he served as a newsroom shop steward and on the SAG-AFTRA's National Broadcast Steering Committee.
An Emmy Award winning journalist, Byron's work was recognized with many honors, including inductions into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Roosevelt High School Hall of Fame; GetKonnected GK100 Boston's Most Influential People of Color Award; the Boston Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle Award; and the National Association of Black Journalists Region I Journalist of the Year Award.
Outside the newsroom, Byron will be remembered for his fun-loving heart, optimistic spirit, and 100-percent commitment to family and friends. He cherished time with loved ones in Massachusetts and Minnesota, and especially treasured summers on Martha's Vineyard. He often said he was "so lucky to wake up every day and go to a job he loved"; those who shared life with him would say we were the lucky ones.
Byron is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 40 years, Kathleen; his children, Byron Jr. (Minneapolis), Parker (New York City), and Monique Barnett (Massachusetts); his grandchildren, Casey, Grayson, and Naelia; and many cherished relatives and friends.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to friends, family and TV viewers in both Minneapolis and Boston for sharing their memories of Byron. Reading these messages put a smile on their faces during this difficult time. The family would also like to thank the teams at The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Mayo Clinic for their extraordinary and compassionate care during Byron's battle with Multiple Myeloma.
A Funeral Service & Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. St. James AME Church, 3600 Snelling Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN Celebration of Life: 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lynette Restaurant, 3753 42nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Museum of African American History - Boston, supporting the creation of The Byron Barnett Endowed Lecture Series. An annual event that will bring together journalists, political leaders, and scholars for lectures, panels, and fireside conversations at the intersection of African American history, democracy, and media.

Gifts may be made at https://htru.io/SRGg.