William Michael Barbee is a Newark Native and was educated in the Newark Public School System.  He attended  Arts High School; Jersey City State College, majoring in Biology with a minor in Fine Arts; Rutgers University, graduating with a Degree in Business Management; McAllister/American Academy of Mortuary Science, graduating with a Diploma in Mortuary Science and Funeral Services.

During the summer of 1980 and upon entering Arts High School, the Barbee family was the victim of an arson fire. As a result, William’s family would forever be displaced and separated.  This took a toll on his ability to adjust to the many changes that were before him. He attended his first year of high school with donated clothing from friends, strangers, and a voucher from The Salvation Army. As a direct result of the fire, watching childhood friends deaths due to street violence, drug abuse, disease and depression, William realized that he needed to change his circumstances. 

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