History of the James Blair Award:
The James Blair Award was established in 2012 to honor a founder and former chair of the Black Advisory Council who passed away unexpectedly. He was a servant leader who devoted much of his life’s work to serving as an advocate for the well-being of children and youth.
James L. Blair was born on May 2, 1960, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was the fourth of five children (Michael, Denise, Mary, James and Angela) born to the late Rosie Lee Blair. James was a product of the Birmingham City Schools system, excelling as an honor student, exceptional athlete, and avid community service volunteer. He was a star player for the Carol W. Hayes High School Pacesetters basketball team and was a finalist for “Mr. Basketball” in Alabama in 1979. During the 1978-1979 school year, he served as the senior class president and was active in various school and community organizations. While still in high school, James developed a special interest in working with at-risk youth, volunteering for community organizations and coaching the Special Olympics. James graduated at the top of his class in 1979.
College and Athletic Achievements
As a result of being an outstanding student athlete, James received a full, four-year athletic scholarship to attend Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology in 1983. During his time at Wofford, he was a starter and stellar player for the Terriers men’s basketball team, becoming a four-year letterman and the second leading scorer in the college’s history. He was the first and only African-American athlete to have his playing jersey (#44) retired. Some of his athletic records remain unbroken, and he was inducted into Wofford’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2004, he received the Wofford Alumni Distinguished Service Award for his work with at-risk children and youth in Alabama and Texas.
Professional Career
After graduating from Wofford, James played professional basketball in the Philippines before returning to the United States to enter the education profession and business world. He coached basketball at Carol W. Hayes High School, leading the team to a state championship in 1987. When Hayes became a middle school, he coached the boys’ basketball team to back-to-back city championships in 1990 and 1991. Many former students and friends continued to call him “Coach” long after he stopped coaching to pursue other career interests.
James was the Executive Director of Caring Helps Another Make Progress, Inc. (CHAMP) in Birmingham, a non-profit organization designed to help and mentor at-risk youth in the Avondale and Kingston communities where he grew up. Under his leadership, CHAMP was nominated for the 1992 President’s Volunteer Action “Points of Light” Award given by President George H. W. Bush to recognize individuals and community service organizations that make a difference in their communities through volunteer work.
In 1993, James relocated to San Antonio to serve as the Executive Director of the Miller Child Development Center, Inc. (MCDC), a position he held for 18 years. MCDC offers programs for children from infancy to school age. James was a rare male figure in early childhood development, promoting educational opportunities and enrichment programs for young children. Additionally, he managed family-owned rental properties in San Antonio and Kerrville, Texas.
Family and Personal Life
James married Shawana Freeman of San Antonio, and together they raised five children: Telica, Shamia, Clayton, Lindsey, and Jasmine. He was a dedicated husband and family man, devoting countless hours to his children and extended family.
James was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church (SBC), serving as an Ordained Deacon, Church Treasurer, and being active in various committees and ministries. He was a devout Christian, ministering to youth, visiting the sick, and performing kind deeds for the elderly and less fortunate. Posthumously, the sports complex in the Second Baptist Church Community Center was named in his honor.
Fraternity and Community Involvement
James was the Basileus (President) of the Psi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in San Antonio, serving with dignity and honor. Under his dedicated leadership, the Psi Alpha Chapter was successful in increasing membership, participation, programs, and fundraising. He was instrumental in recruiting members of the fraternity to serve as mentors and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas. Over the years, James served in many positions within the fraternity but brotherhood and serving others meant more to him than any office or title he ever held. He was a life member of the Omega fraternity with 30 years of devoted service. Additionally, he was active in several community organizations, including 100 Black Men of San Antonio, Inc., Connecting Links (spouses of Link members) with The Links, Inc.-San Antonio (TX) Chapter, and the Father’s Auxiliary (spouses of members) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.-San Antonio Chapter.
Passing and Legacy
James departed this life on July 1, 2011. He is survived by his wife Shawana Freeman Blair; five children, Telica Walker (Kevin), Shamia Priestley, Clayton Priestley (Nicey), Lindsey Blair, and Jasmine Blair; sister, Mary Blair; seven grandchildren; and a number of nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends. He will always be remembered for his compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the community.
James Blair
May 2, 1960 – July 1, 2011