A Passion for Education, Arts Inspires Future Generations

By Kate Zenone

Finding Herself at UToledo

A double major in Theater and Spanish, James practically lived in The University of Toledo’s Center for Performing Arts and the Spanish department. Her senior project, a one-woman show based on her grandmother’s speeches and poems titled “Your Race and Mine,” was a defining moment that would be the basis of her future success as an artist and educator. This project was not only a tribute to her heritage but served as a launchpad for her career as it inspired her to take the production to New York City, where she has lived for the past 31 years.

Among her fondest memories are the friendships she made through her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. “This was one of the first times I remember really feeling a sense of community,” James shared.

James was able to grow and find her voice as an activist during her time at UToledo. She recalled one notable memory of her professor encouraging her activism during the Rodney King trial in the early 1990s. “I remember my professor took attendance and then allowed me to leave class to participate in a sit in, protesting the acquittal of the police officers involved,” James said. By providing that opportunity, The University of Toledo professor helped spark an important moment that would bloom into the incredible work James has gone on to accomplish.

Building a Successful Career

After graduation, her career in education began in Harlem, teaching theater at the Harlem School of the Arts. This initial experience ignited her passion for teaching, leading her to roles as a teaching artist and administrator at Lincoln Center, and eventually, a full-time public-school teacher.

“I took a job teaching theater to young people and fell in love with teaching.”

James continued her education and was the first African-American woman to graduate from Columbia University’s Theater Directing Program, where she earned her Master of Fine Arts. James also earned a Master of Arts in Theater Education from New York University.

“During my first year as a full-time teacher, I taught in the South Bronx. I was able to take my middle school students to see Broadway plays for the first time and I remember the sparkle in their eyes as they watched the production,” James shared.

Serving as the Arts Department Chair at Manhattan Theatre Lab High School, she held professional development workshops to guide the staff in integrating the arts into their humanities curricula. James also created an innovative, theater-focused English Language Learning Program for high school students at Pan American International High School in her capacity as theater teacher.

Currently a tenured teacher working at Talent Unlimited High School, James has created several impactful programs. The Talent Unlimited Student Ambassador Program encourages students to engage with local politicians, fostering active participation in government and community affairs.

One of her proudest moments has been, “watching my students develop their voices as artists and as young people who have so much to contribute to their communities and to society,” she said.

As a professional theater director, she has directed more than 50 productions.

Being Recognized for Her Incredible Impact

James’s contributions to education have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored with an Excellence in Education Award, recognizing her exceptional dedication and skill as an educator. This year, she was also nominated for the prestigious Big Apple Award and the Mary McLeod Bethune Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Most recently, she was the recipient of the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms (TGC) program grant allowing her to pilot a cross-curricular program that fuses history and theater, based on 20th-century plays. This initiative aims to enhance students’ understanding of historical contexts through the lens of theater, making learning both engaging and relatable. The goal of the TGC program is to connect with teachers abroad, learn their best practices and share her own to enhance and create a more global approach. James’ ultimate dream is to become a United Nations special advisor in education, where she hopes to further advance education equity on a global scale.

Pursuit of Personal Passions and Looking to the Future

Beyond her professional achievements, James is also a writer and curator. She is working on her first poetry collection, “Catherine Street,” named after the street in Ann Arbor, MI where her mother grew up.

Additionally, she is curating a photography exhibition series titled “Love Lives Here,” which documents and celebrates her family’s history. This exhibition began in Ypsilanti, MI and her hope is to eventually bring it to New York City.

In her free time, James also indulges in watching funny videos on TikTok, finding joy and relaxation in laughter. She is an avid traveler, having visited 14 countries and two continents, with plans to explore all seven continents in the coming years.

James’ journey is a remarkable blend of passion, dedication and impact. From her early days at The University of Toledo to her current role as an educator and leader, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and the power of education and the arts to transform lives. Her story inspires not only her students but anyone who believes in using the power of education to create a better world.