James Green has been in public health for thirty-plus years in the St. Louis region.  He has served his community in various capacities through the years i.e., educator, counselor, mentor, coach, and health advocate among others.  He was born in Mississippi on a plantation, raised by a single mother in public housing, lived in a depressed urban community, received a public education and this life experience has given him the “why” for the work that he does unapologetically for Black people.