James Covington has always been passionate about serving others and making bold moves as a visionary leader. From his early years as a high school quarterback to his creation of a national model for transforming blighted communities, James has been a strategic leader, striving to empower everyone he meets. He is frequently sort after to address both large and small audiences on topics of economic empowerment, black business development, economic transformation, economic equality, and other topics critical to African-American communities.
After graduating from Yazoo City High School, James served his country by enlisting in the U. S. Army. His military career included a tour of duty in Europe. Following his honorable discharge from the army, James enrolled at Jackson State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology in lest than three years.
James’ professional career began when he was recruited by Mississippi Power & Light Company’s (now Entergy) Engineering Department. He would make history twice at the company. He became the first African-American manager as Manager of Consumer Relations at MP&L. James also made history when he lobbied the Mississippi State Legislature for the company, becoming the first African-American registered lobbyist in Mississippi.
For almost 24 years, James has focused on entrepreneurship and owns three technology based companies. He is president of Impact411.com, an online interactive business marketplace designed to help grow African-American businesses by connecting them to local and national buyers. James is president of iVision IT Consultants a firm that offers innovative IT solutions to help companies leverage their brand and expand their market reach. And he is also the president of Impact Tickets, LLC. a national professional ticketing site site with a mission of lowering ticket fees and giving back a percentage of its profit to schools, colleges, universities, and non-profits to help them achieve their goals of helping others.
James believes the Internet and innovation are critical to driving economic development in urban communities and solving many of the problems plaguing them. His book “From Civil Rights To Silver Rights: We Need An Economic Movement” is a groundbreaking playbook for building unprecedented wealth in the African-American community and the inspiration for Impact411.com. In the recent released sequel, “Converting Political Power To Economic Power” James urges African-Americans to refocus their attention on meeting their historical challenge of converting political power to economic power. He speaks on issues related to information technology, Internet technology, economic empowerment, and the growth of the black business class.
James has served his community over the years working as a technology instructor at Jackson State University (JSU). He has dedicated time and committed dollars to his beloved alma mater and mentoring and hiring college students.
James has also served on boards and commissions including: Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium; Jackson State University-Jackson Hinds Alumni Association; JSU Tiger Fund; Anderson United Methodist Men; Farish Street Festival; Jackson Urban League; Salvation Army Energy Assistance; Jackson State University Blue Bengal Athletic Association; and the Jackson Chapter of the NAACP.
His leadership positions include: Past President of Anderson United Methodist Men; Past President of Jackson-Hinds JSU Alumni Association; Past President of the Farish Street Festival; Past Acting Chair and Vice Chair of Veteran Memorial Stadium; JSU Tiger Fund Founding member; Life Member JSU National & Local Alumni Associations, and former board member of the Jackson Chapter of the NAACP just to name a few.
When Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Harvey Johnson was elected as State Capital City’s first African-American mayor, he called on James to chair his Technology and Telecommunications Transition Team. When Mayor Tony Yarber was elected mayor of Jackson he also called on James to chair his Finance, Technology and Telecommunications transition team. James is a long-time member of Anderson United Methodist Church where he has served in many ministries and leadership roles.