Industry Veteran James DuBose Discusses His New Role, Changing The Industry, and More

Father, Visionary, Veteran Entertainment Industry Executive, Culture Shaper, and Black American Television Producer James DuBose is an innovator, and thought leader known for producing, shaping content, and sharing the voice and lived experience of Black people around the globe. DuBose built his entire career with his focus on four fundamental pillars: Inspire, educate, uplift, and entertain Black Audiences.

His love of telling compelling stories came from the collide of multiple passions, the intersection of marketing, culture, leadership, and realness. From his first job working in entertainment to joining the subsidiary of one of the largest and most admired media conglomerates in the world, his footprint on Black entertainment has been massive.

DuBose is a North Carolina native which largely shaped him into the hard-working individual he is today. He experienced a rapid rise through the ranks and currently serves as General Manager and Head of Programming of FOX SOUL- a new live and interactive streaming channel dedicated to African American viewers. DuBose has built an impressive catalog of assets known for garnering record-breaking television network numbers.

He executive produced syndicated entertainment show Dish Nation and E Networks WAGS: Atlanta, as well as hit projects under his DuBose Entertainment banner such as Kevin Harts: One Mic Stand Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, Monica: Still Standing, Tiny and Toya, Toya: A Family Affair, Trey Songz: My Moment, The Michael Vick Project, Hell Date and Comic View amongst others.

“My decision to join FOX SOUL is because I wanted to make sure that Black stories were being curated, run, and told by Black people and to put action behind my commitment to amplifying the voice, impact, and legacy of Black people. I believe that also includes resisting the assimilation into allowing white culture to define what that is.” -James DuBose

DuBose is most proud of owning that his role as a Black Executive in entertainment means, lifting as he climbs and supporting the economic empowerment of Black communities. We Empower Magazine is honored to present our cover feature, none other than Mr. DuBose himself who has paved the way for so many Black creators.

Tammy Reese: Hi Mr. DuBose, it is an honor to interview you today!

James DuBose: I’m honored and grateful.

Tammy Reese: Being a top executive in the entertainment industry comes with a huge responsibility of showcasing content that is for, about, and by us. Which also makes a profound impact and changes lives. You have such a major track record of creating and displaying powerful content on a mainstream level and are an inspiration to so many. In your own words, how do you feel you have made a difference in the world?

James DuBose: First, all praises are due to Allah, and thank you for your kind words. But I honestly do not feel that I have made a difference in the world with my work as of yet. I say that because if I was to leave this earth tomorrow, my work would go with me.

I pray that I am able to be here long enough where I am able to leave something that will serve the community and culture long after I am gone and that’s what I’m trying to accomplish with FOX SOUL.

Tammy Reese: What are some obstacles you have overcome as a Black Entertainment Industry Executive?

James DuBose: Most of the obstacles I have had to overcome have nothing to do with being a Black executive, but more to do with being an idiot with some of my decisions. Now to add to my own ignorance at times, are the same obstacles that Black people deal with in everyday life. Being put in a box, not having many people in the executive decision-making level that look like you, and not understanding your journey or your story, so you find yourself feeling misunderstood and on an island by yourself a lot of times.

Tammy Reese: How has your journey been so far for you with FOX SOUL?

James DuBose: I would call it a beautiful struggle. Starting any business, let alone a network from the ground up, with such an important mission and purpose, you can expect a struggle. But I’m so blessed to be in this position to give our community the opportunity to have their voice and truth heard in ways they haven’t experienced before.

The team at Fox Corp, Stephen Brown, and Jack Abernethy have been true to their word to me when FOX SOUL was finally greenlit. They own the entity so of course they have oversight, but they allow me the freedom to do what I feel is right with building this network for the culture. That is rare.

Tammy Reese: What would you like to see more of from Black creators in entertainment and media?

James DuBose: To simply work together more. I want to lead in that area and do my best to lift as we climb. I think we have done a great job of that so far with strategic partnerships with media outlets like the For Us By Us Network, Black Enterprise, Stellar TV, HBCU Tour, Dame Dash Studios, and more.

Tammy Reese: What is a quote that you live by?

James DuBose: Stay the course!

Tammy Reese: What is a super fun fact about yourself that many may not be aware of?

James DuBose: I use to rap and DJ from Jr. High through college until I realized I was no good at either one.

Tammy Reese: We would love to know about the film work you have done in collaboration with Grindstone Entertainment/Lionsgate. What can you share with us?

James DuBose: I did a film with Dame Dash called Honor Up. That was distributed by Grindstone/Lionsgate.

Tammy Reese: What else can we be on the lookout for from you?

James DuBose: A bigger, better, and more powerful FOX SOUL!

Tammy Reese: So many aspire to be hired by or featured on FOX SOUL. Either if it’s having their own work being highlighted or an interview feature segment. For those who dream to be a part of the FOX SOUL family in any aspect, what advice would you have for them?

James DuBose: Bring content or a perspective that speaks authentically to the culture and that entertains, educates, and inspires. We are looking for those who have a voice that needs to be heard.

Tammy Reese: What would you like your legacy to look like?

James DuBose: For me to be looked at like a tree with a lot of branches and each branch represents someone who I had a hand in bettering their lives and the lives of their family.

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