Alumni Stories: James White

Benedict College Graduate demonstrates that Failure is not Final

James White III’s upbringing was marked by instability and hardship. Raised by a mother struggling with addiction and a largely absent father, he faced immense challenges. By his early teens, White was entrenched in the world of drug dealing, a common path for many young men in his community. This destructive path culminated in a two-year jail stint after an armed robbery.

“Most of my friends were selling drugs by age 12. I was selling crack cocaine to my mother by 14,” he shared. This exposure to crime and the absence of positive role models led him down a path of repeated run-ins with the law.

However, White’s story is not one of despair but of hope and transformation. Growing up in a world of trials and tribulations on the streets of Coweta County, GA, his journey from these difficult beginnings to becoming a prosecutor demonstrates that no matter where you start, you can achieve greatness through perseverance and the proper support.

White used the power of education, particularly education provided by his HBCU (historically Black colleges and universities), to change his life, eventually becoming a prosecutor in Atlanta, GA. His story is a powerful reminder that education can transform lives and that failure is not final.

James White III and Keith Gammage, Fulton County, GA, Solicitor General

White’s transformation began with earning his GED while in prison. After his release, an encounter with a stranger changed White’s life. Minister Hall, an older woman from New Orleans, saw potential in him. She approached White one day and said, “Son, pull up your pants.” After he complied, she asked, “Are you in school?” When he said he was not, she asked, “Do you want to go?” This simple question marked the beginning of a profound change in his life. She offered him guidance and support, urging him to pursue higher education. With her belief in his potential, White dedicated himself to his studies and later gained admission to UNCF-member HBCU Benedict College.

Located in Columbia, SC, Benedict College is an HBCU with a rich history of empowering African American students since its founding in 1870. Like other HBCUs, Benedict played a crucial role in White’s transformation, providing him with a supportive and nurturing environment. All HBCUs offer a unique combination of academic rigor, cultural affirmation and community support, making them invaluable for those like White seeking to overcome challenging backgrounds and achieve their full potential. The sense of community and belonging at HBCUs is a powerful force in the journey of most students but for White in particular.

White immersed himself in academics, living in the library and becoming a 4.0 student. His dedication paid off as he became Benedict College’s Student Government Association president and even had the opportunity to meet former President Obama while at Benedict.

Inspired by the words of another mentor, Colonel Knowles, and driven by his determination, White set his sights on law school. Despite initial setbacks and the challenges of changing his major late in college, White was later accepted into six law schools. Despite the odds, he graduated and passed the bar, becoming a Fulton County prosecutor on September 13, 2023, to give back to his community and make a difference in the lives of underprivileged teens seeking a better life. White is considering a political future, further driving his ambition to create meaningful change in underprivileged communities.

James White III’s swearing-in ceremony, September 13, 2023

White’s swearing-in ceremony was packed with supporters, family and community leaders. These attendees included White’s armed robbery victim, showing the power and forgiveness that comes from a life of change.

His attendance underscores White’s firm stance on restorative justice. This powerful moment underscores the transformative nature of second chances and the potential for growth and change in all of us.

One of the most poignant moments in White’s journey was his return to Minister Hall, the woman who had believed in him when no one else did. He dedicated his law degree to her, a symbolic gesture of gratitude for her profound impact on his life. He regularly visits her, cutting her grass to give back to the woman who changed his life. This moment underscores the importance of believing in someone’s potential, regardless of background, and the value of giving back to the community that supports you.

White’s story is a beacon of hope for future HBCU students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds. His life shows that it is possible to overcome even the most challenging circumstances with determination, support and a commitment to education. His story underscores the importance of perseverance and proper guidance in overcoming challenges, inspiring others to keep pushing forward in their journeys. James White is a testament: it is never too late to turn over a new leaf and learn to succeed.