Jim Embry's most familiar phrase is "and what about our future?" His most familiar action is to quietly "get busy" with the work to be done. Jim has been a community activist for more than 40 years beginning as a civil rights activist in 1960 as a 10 year old. It was in Kentucky that he experimented with his ideas for creating new, solid ways of being and transforming: as a husband and father of six, as a relative of small farmers, as a soccer coach, as part of a movement to resurrect a historic cemetery, as a member of the Jazz Arts Foundation; as a president of his family reunion, as a volunteer with, and as an active member of many other community and grass roots initiatives. While living in Kentucky he received an undergraduate degree in biology and was pursuing graduate work in history before moving to Detroit.

In 2001, Jim concluded a critical chapter in his life by moving from Lexington, KY to Detroit. By doing so he closed a thriving home renovation business as House Doctor and resigned as a board member of that city's Good Foods Cooperative that he helped found 32 years ago. Jim has spent more than 30 years working with and nurturing young people as social change agents. Because the land has been important to his family members, Jim nurtures an active regard for the earth and our relationship with her, finding time to be an avid gardener, herbalist, water garden builder, hiker and camper, bike rider and more. As a world traveler, Jim enjoys his travels to the oceans as a scuba diver and his visits to India, the Caribbean Islands, Cuba and most recently Brazil for the World Social Forum III.

His interest in what makes conditions arise and change is keen. His library includes titles on the subject of alternative healing, economic systems, gardening, music, and practically any other interest.

Jim’s move to Detroit provided him with the opportunity to strengthen his 30-year relationship with Jimmy (1919-1993) and Grace Boggs and continue his 40+ years as a movement activist. He served as the Executive Director of the Boggs Center to Nurture Community Leadership for 4 years. In June of 2005, Jim returned to his roots in Kentucky where he recently founded the Sustainable Communities Initiative and is actively guiding a yearlong community visioning process.

Jim brings a clear mind, discipline, drive, and an unwavering belief that “another world is possible” and it is possible to make our country a socially just, sustainable, and peaceful society that reflects and shares the highest ideals of being human. He maintains a deep respect for elders which is evident in his every move. Jim believes he is in a position to sow, reap and share the benefits of all the lessons he has learned throughout his life--hard and soft.

(Excerpted from "Yes!" Magazine, click here for website)

"This Year's Model" - Jim Embry in Ace Magazine. Click here to open a pdf of the article.