[1] Barker intended to study medicine while attending Southern University at Baton Rouge,[2] where he obtained his bachelor's degree in political science in 1949.
In 1990, Barker moved to Stanford University, where he was appointed William Bennett Munro Professor of Political Science.
[6] Taking a systemic approach to political analysis was a staple of Barker's research, and was a natural cornerstone of his leadership of the ASPA.
The opening of his presidential address in 1993 called for understanding the advancements and hurdles faced by Black Americans through a systemic perspective, highlighting an area of work he focused on while serving as the head of the ASPA.
[6] In addition to his review of Black political participation and the systemic challenges that have stymied progress, Barker uses his speech as a call to action for political scientists to recognize their own role in overlooking role in shaping systemic problems, and work to truly analyze volatile topics such as race.
[6] Elite institutions and tenured professors both possess privileges in the ability to inform and legitamize opinions in political discussions, and their perch from with they can offer important and fresh research.
The MPSA established an annual award in Barker's honor, recognizing exemplary papers on the topic of race or ethnicity and politics.
Barker's new perspective on political science was clear in his PhD thesis on the Tideland Oil Controversy and the ensuing court battle.
[8] The article also touched on the role of amicus curiae (or "friend of the court" briefs); along with the legal work conducted by the NAACP throughout the Civil Rights Movement, a topic that would appear in his presidential address.