James M. Bailey is a change agent, thought leader, entrepreneur and emerging philanthropist, and among the new generation of trailblazers in Atlanta. He is currently the president and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE), whose desire is to carry on the legacy of the late Herman J, Russell. He is moved by the motto “Build As We Climb,” as he works to create a Black-owned and driven space for entrepreneurship and innovation. Bailey spoke with rolling out about what makes Atlanta a Black mecca and how to further the city’s growth.
What is the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE) and what will it do for Black people?
It is a 50,000 sq. ft. plus [space] owned, designed and built for Black people. No disrespect to all of the other spaces, but if you look at them, the pictures on the wall don’t look like you. Looking at a reflection and seeing success in your hue is a very powerful thing. The thing that is missing [in our community], is access, opportunity and exposure. I want (RCIE) to be the nexus that we never had for our community.
Describe the moment you fell in love with the city of Atlanta?
I was born and raised in Atlanta. I’ve been all over the country and all over the world and I haven’t found a place like our city. When I say FILA, Forever I Love Atlanta, I mean it. I think that we have the potential from this red dirt to create something the world’s never seen before. It’s time for us to live out our purpose. If we’re going to call Atlanta the Black mecca, it’s time to make good on that promise. I think we’re one of the cities in the world that has the capacity do this.
What about Atlanta makes it a Black Mecca?
The depth of history [here]. The things you see on a daily basis, from running into Ambassador Andrew Young at the Publix on Camp Creek Parkway, knowing that we’re the home of OutKast and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We’ve created trends; we’ve started movements; we’ve educated the future. In the city of Atlanta, there are more African American college students than anywhere else in the world. Does it mean that we are perfect and hitting on all cylinders? I’d say no. But we’re still light years ahead. There is such a depth and richness in brown skin here that doesn’t occur in any other city.
If someone is visiting Atlanta for the first time, what would you encourage them to experience?
They have to see the magic of the Atlanta University Center (AUC). They have to sit on the Jackson Street Bridge and take in the massive skyline. I want them to go through Buckhead, Midtown, but then lastly the Westside to see where our people are.
