Introducing myself

Hello,
My name is James Delisco Beeks and I currently reside in New York City. I am an American originally from Jacksonville, Florida and on my 3rd passport, weird I know.

I love traveling but now I am ready to stay in one place for a few years and NYC has always been good to me. I have performed on the Broadway stage years ago and am back to see what this wonderful city has to offer. As of late there is opportunity especially now that there is lots more work for African American men, which is very exciting for me.

I moved away 10 years ago to avoid winter, living in places where it’s warm like Las Vegas, LA, and Australia. BUT, I decide to move back to NYC in the middle of a BOMB CYCLONE....wait what? Actually it’s not as bad as I thought it was gonna be, but it’s still too cold, but I’m up for the challenge...I guess I deserve it this time!:)

However, I am excited to get started with STEEM and see what is possible in this community to share my story, as it is an interesting one, and gives me practice to finish my book of memoirs I have promised myself to finish. I’m almost done but still a ways to go, just need a push and I think this is it. I can’t wait to share it with you as I feel my life is very funny, nuanced and most importantly inspiring.

For a kid whose first memories are of being in the foster care system, it is such a privilege every time I get to share my story through music, dance and now my new book venture. I never spoke a word until I was five years old and was terribly shy and introverted kid. But I found my voice at 9 years when I sang ‘Ben’, by the young Michael Jackson, it was an outlet for me to help heal the pain of struggle that I have been through growing up in my formative years.

(Hashtag)metoo I look back on that time in my life and I realized that those people who neglected and hurt me had issues of their own; it was not my fault. I had to break the chains of resentment and forgive those who hurt me because I could not move forward with my life until I had done so. I have not forgotten, but I have forgiven and I am free; I am not a victim anymore.

Michael Jackson is a big part in helping me realizing my dreams. A lot of people don’t know that every concert that Michael would do he would block off hundreds of seats for underprivileged children and give them a surprise show for free; and I was one of those kids.

I remember when he sang ‘Human Nature’ I was inspired and I cried for the first time. At the age of 12, I said to myself, “I’m going to do this one day“, and here I am performing my creative mentor’s music and carrying on his legacy all over the world as one of the top MJ tribute artist’ in the nation.

My story is not a sad one, my hope it that it is an American one, a human one that will inspire others coming after me, and before me, to overcome the hurt, believe in ourselves, our dreams, and see them fulfilled. This can be achieved, in my experience, by staying humble, grateful, smart, and loving throughout and not giving in to the negative stereotypes. I can’t thank Michael enough for his positive inspiration.

And I have to also thank my grand mother who took me in at 5 years old when no one else was there. I dedicate all my shows to my grandma, the strongest woman I have ever known, she did the best she could do with what she had. I dedicate my book and my success in STEEM and other communities that uplift humanity in a positive light.

To be honest without a mom or dad, guiding me in my formative years, it has been tough to navigate through this life; and I have made many mistakes party becapof that. But right now in this moment I challenge myself to be a better person, better than I was yesterday and I ask all reading this to accept me as I am today, striving to be the best me that I can be.

And I want to challenge you to do the same. The number 1 resolution in America for 2018 is to be a better person, a better human, be kinder, be more understanding, be healthier, be compassionate. That’s it (hashtag)bebetter…can we rise to that challenge, will you stand with me and make a change? I think this platform is a great to encourage us simply to be better human beings and I intend to do so every day.

Michael challenges us in his song to look in the mirror and make a change; it starts now, with me and you.

Me performing LIVE on PBS this past NEW YEARS EVE with the Detroit symphony orchestra paying tribute to Michael Jackson.

Let me know your thoughts.

DISCLAIMER: This is not an impersonator show; it’s a tribute show celebrating 40 years of MJ’s music. This show is an ongoing tour that may be in your area. I will post dates on my social media/website and hopefully you can come check ut out.

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Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I do hope to hear from you and look forward to what you are up to as well.

Feel free to follow me and I will do the same.

Here’s to a prosperous and awesome new year!

Much love,

James Delisco Beeks