Black Boy Joy Spotlight: James McEachern

James McEachern of Dillion SC, is a senior here at USC studying Entrepreneurial Management and Marketing. Upon graduation, he plans to continue to watch his already successful clothing line while also pursuing other entrepreneurial endeavors. Like his goal to begin managing artists and athletes, so he can eventually start his own agency representing African Americans in these businesses. Being that James is from the infamous “Corridor of Shame” he plans to uplift the community there by bringing programs and scholarships so that more kids have the opportunity to succeed. He states, “One thing that I believe is a hindrance to many African American kids is that they are not afforded as many opportunities as others, this is why I plan to reach back to the community.” Which he already has by blessing us with his clothing line “God’s Junior.” For years he wanted to start this, in January of 2016 he found the motivation after his father went into cardiac arrest and never woke up. This tragic event shaped his perspective in life and motivated him to pursue the things in life he was too fearful to do. In August of 2017 God’s Junior was officially launched, a brand built on the idea that we are all built in God’s perfect image. During his time here at USC he has been involved in many organizations that have shaped him to the man he is today. Young Life, a Christian organization where he tutors and mentors local high schoolers around this area. AAAS, an organization focused on uplifting the African American community found here, where he was about to showcase his love of fashion at the annual fashion show. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc which gave him a lifetime brotherhood and unimaginable experiences, and one of the best networking opportunities. The advice that James offers for the men of color on different campuses, “I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. I know that may be hard, I mean every day we see ourselves plastered across newspaper headlines, ridiculed on the internet, scrutinized in the press, drawn onto a poster after another unjustified police shooting. But I still encourage you to step out, be involved on campus. Do not only join organizations with people that look like you, but join orgs with people that look different, or come from different backgrounds. And do not only join these organizations, but eventually run these organizations. Whether that be an Accounting club, or it be Student Government. The greatest weapon that we have is our voice, so use it. Change the dynamic of these organizations. Influence meetings. Change opinions. Become treasurer. Run for President. Run for Student Body President. Throughout your four years, never settle. And throughout all of this, get to know people, and build connections. You never know which conversation will be the one that changes your life. Be Intentional. Be Brave. Be a voice for the people, and leave college knowing that you impacted at least one person in a way that they will never forget.” As you see, James is the perfect candidate for Black Boy Joy.