James Hills is a prominent community advocate, self-made talk show host, and critical voice in the Boston media landscape. Over the course of his 40-year career, James has mastered community building and relations by serving in leadership positions in several Boston-based nonprofits and all three levels of government.

In 2023, James was named one of Boston Magazine’s Most Influential Bostonians.Born and raised in Boston, James is proud to have grown up in the communities he has dedicated his life to advocating for. He is a former Bromley Health Housing resident and a Boston Public Schools graduate of Madison Park High School in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Massachusetts College of Public and Community Service and received several public health and youth development certifications. Most recently, he graduated from the Non-Profit Management Leadership Certificate Program at the Boston University Questrom School of Business.

In March of 2020, James launched an internet-based talk show titled #javawithJimmy, initially in response to the impact of COVID-19 on Black and Brown communities. Now, with close to 13,000 followers across social media, the four-day-a-week broadcast has evolved into one of Boston’s most recognized organically driven, informative, resourceful, and politically engaging platforms. His experience and the platform's programming include mental health awareness, highlighting community accomplishments, informative political news, and making space for gratitude.

The program regularly features prominent political leaders such as Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, and Governor Maura Healey, among other star guests. As one of the most recognizable and creditable voices in Boston, James uses his platform to work towards a more equitable quality of life for those most marginalized throughout his city. He has supported local work through partnerships with the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Coalition for A Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront. James also serves as an advisor to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu in the City of Boston.

James is a strong believer in the power of resident-led information sharing, civic engagement, and mobilization via social media. “Communities possess the ‘digital-bility’ to create the change they want to see.” He believes utilizing that and other community strengths can help create an equitable quality of life for all, especially for the Black community

JAMES "JIMMY" HILLS

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