DR MARK
COACH JAMES
THE URBAN HEALER
Dr. Mark H. James is a nationally recognized trauma-informed educator, restorative justice leader, and international motivational speaker with over two decades of experience serving marginalized youth and high-need schools. A former classroom teacher, administrator, and college football head coach, he blends lived wisdom, critical scholarship, and dynamic storytelling to advocate for healing-centered education. An award-winning author, Dr. James has written five impactful
books: Holding an Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership and certified as a Trauma-Informed Practitioner, Dr. James serves as a Strategic Consultant for HBCU initiatives in the Commonwealth of Virginia and leads the Urban Trauma Healing Institute. Based in Virginia with global availability, he delivers prophetic, data-driven keynotes on racial justice, athletic equity, and transformative leadership.
SIGNATURE FRAMEWORK
EMBRACE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER
Navigating Al in
Resilient Communities
Timely, forward-thinking keynote exploring how Al can support or disrupt healing and justice in marginalized schools and communities. Bridges technology, racial equity, and community empowerment.
EQUITY . ETHICS . EMPOWERMENT
From Conflict to
Connection: Restorative
Justice in Action
Engaging, hands-on session delivering actionable steps to transform school culture and rebuild trust. Equips educators and leaders with restorative practices that repair harm and restore community.
INTERACTIVE SESSION
Trauma-Informed Survival Manual: Tools for Urban Classrooms
Practical workshop equipping teachers and administrators with healing-centered tools and trauma-informed strategies to meet the needs of marginalized youth in high-need schools.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Healing the Healer: Mental Health for Educators
Addresses the emotional toll on educators working in high-stress environments. Provides
strategies for self-care, boundary-setting, and
sustainable healing-centered practice.
WELLNESS & RESILIENCE
Building a Cohesive Team in Divisive Times
Equips organizational leaders, coaches, and school administrators with tools to build trust, unity, and collective purpose across divided
teams and communities.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
The 10-Point Plan for Transforming Challenged Communities
Self-Determination,Cultural Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Repair, Entrepreneurial Power, and more - a comprehensive roadmap for community healing. Dr. James's signature system covering
COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION
TESTIMONIALS
What Audiences Say
"A ferocious young leader that doesn't accept failure. His work with young student-athletes is some of the best dedication I have seen in over 40 years in the profession."
BOBBY BOWDEN
College Football Hall of Fame Coach
"Mark is talented, insightful, and caring. His background in Urban Trauma gives him much-deserved credibility and a real edge."
KING SALIM KHALFANI
Former President, Virginia NAACP
"When Mark James speaks ... people listen. God has given him a divine skill-set that sets him in another stratosphere as an agent of change."
JOHN BLAKE​
Former Head Coach, Univ. of Oklahoma Asst. Coach, Dallas Cowboys
"He has an innate ability to create fun, productive environments. Evidence-based data repeatedly validates his ability to convey powerful learning outcomes."
BOBBY HENRY
Editor/Owner, Westside Gazette Newspaper
Credentials, Awards & Publications
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
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Ed.D. - Urban Education Leadership
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Certified Trauma-Informed Practitioner
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Strategic Consultant - HBCU Initiatives, Commonwealth of Virginia
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Former College Head Football Coach - Virginia Union University.
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Former Urban School Teacher & Administrator
PUBLISHED WORKS
Audience & Engagement Formats
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
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Educators & School Administrators
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Students (K-12 through Collegiate)
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Athletic Teams & Coaches
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Corporations & Organizations
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Faith Communities & Churches
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Community & Civic Leaders
ENGAGEMENT FORMAT
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Keynote Presentations
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Professional Development
Workshops -
Half-Day & Full-Day Trainings
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Panel Discussions & Moderation
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Virtual & In-Person Options
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Customized Curriculum & Coaching