The People’s Voice • The People’s Campaign
Meet James
The Winning Democrat candidate for Texas State Representative, District 131
Get to know how he plans to connect with the people of this historic Houston district.
A Strong History
I am a God-fearing man and father that has been Bruised, Broken and Blessed. I am a Change-Maker, and a Glass Ceiling Breaker. A Courageous Leader and Entrepreneur. An Embodiment of Ideas and Ideals. A seeker of Wisdom and Knowledge. A Giver, a Helper, an Encourager and Uplifter to young and older alike.
I am the son of a father with a 10th-grade education, but the work ethic of a mule! My mother earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from TSU and UofH, and together they became job creators, entrepreneurs, partners, and business owners in 1974 when I was born. Since then, their businesses have grown, evolved, survived, and thrived.
For the past 21 years, I have served as President of CenterPointe Hotels, now HarDam Hotels & Housing which acquired and developed major branded hotels in its inception, and today owns, as well as serves as a developer and project manager of major branded hotels under the Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt Hotel brands, as well as affordable and market rate Single-Family and Multi-Family housing developments.
I was born, raised and currently reside in the Hiram Clarke area of Houston (District 131). I attended Hobby Elementary, Dowling and Pershing Middle Schools, and graduated from James Madison High School. I am a graduate of the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. I am also to this day pursuing my MBA from the University of Houston – Downtown and my graduate certification in Construction Management.
Results & Accomplishments
Family Man
– 46 years – Resident of District 131
– 46 years – Family-Owned businesses – Grocery Stores / Real Estate
– 23 years – Hotel and Multi-Family Owner and Developer
– First African American Hotel Franchisee – Hampton by Hilton hotels
Core Competencies
– Problem Solver
– Strategic Planner
– Government and Community Relations
– Project Funding
– Real Estate Developer
– Financial Management
Education
– Dowling Middle • Hobby Elementary
– University of North Texas – B.S. – Accounting / Economics / Business
– UH-D – MBA (current); Dallas College – Construction Management
Leadership & Board Affiliations
– President’s Advisor – Equity & Diversity – University of North Texas
– Board of Directors – Foundation Board – University of North Texas
– Board of Directors – Alumni Board – University of North Texas
– Board of Advisors – College of Business – University of North Texas
– UNT Multicultural Center – Co-Founder; UNT Black Alumni Network
Endorsements
James has received endorsements from the Black Firefighters Association, Houston Police Officers Union, the Houston Fire – EMS – Rescue and MANY, MANY, MORE TO COME !! These organizations believe in his commitment to creating change for District 131. Join them in endorsing James in this exciting campaign.
