James '10 Learned Public Relations Basics at Community Center
by Patrick McAlister '10
Gary James’ polished delivery of a public relations specialist was evident when describing the organization for which he has worked since 2004.  "The Coleman Center is a non profit cultural agency in the city of York, Alabama." James said. "It serves to improve the lives of people in the Black Belt area through creativity and inspiration derived from the arts."
According to James, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, the aforementioned ‘Black Belt’ region is an area of 12 counties in west central Alabama characterized by adverse poverty, poor schools and low healthcare. The Coleman Center for the Arts and Culture was founded in 1985. According to their website, www.colemanarts.org, the center functions as a multifaceted arts and community hub for the city. Its museum has provided for over 140 contemporary art exhibitions, and has a functioning artist-in-residence program, producing numerous community improvement projects. Additionally, the center houses the city’s library and functions as a meeting place for town forums. James’ experience with the center evolved from a part-time volunteer position to a paid job in public relations that he continued throughout his high school career. In the summer of 2004, James wondered onto Avenue A, the street where the Coleman Center. "It was a street with very interesting buildings," James said. After talking to a group of Coleman workers James began to volunteer with the center. His skills were immediately tested. A group from Boston was coming to the center for a community volunteer project. James, who at this point had only volunteered for a few weeks, was charged by the center’s director with taking of the logistics – contacting the group, finding volunteer places for them to work, and facilitating their arrival. "She just threw me in there," James said. In September 2004, James became an official employee of the center. After working various odd jobs, he began working public relations for the center. On top of the usual press releases, mass mailings and member communications that characterize public relations work, James gave the center a public face with the city and the community. He continued this job all the way through high school. "My last day was the day I graduated." "The Coleman Center took up most of my time," James said. Despite this fact, James was involved with various coral groups, his high school’s yearbook and wrote op-ed pieces for his local newspaper and served on its advisory board.  James’ community involvement attracted the attention of local Wabash alumnus Lee Cline '66. Cline paid for James to come from Meridian to the Wabash campus and James was immediately entranced. "I think I subconsciously sabotaged my Yale application," James chuckled.
James has stayed busy since his arrival on campus. On top of holding an ESH job, he is a member of ‘shOUT, a news writer for The Bachelor, a member of Parlamentary Union, and political director of the College Democrats. By working in public relations for the Coleman Center, James was able to gain valuable experience and developed effective communication skills, a cornerstone to success.
Printer-Friendly version
| Email this profile
| 
