James Powell is an artist, writer and scholar. He grew up in the American South and has lived in Hudson since 2017. 

James begins his interview by describing his childhood, including several moves through the American South, the influence of 1990s Black arts and media, and growing up during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Throughout his interview, James speaks about various art and media influences that have been meaningful to him, and names collaborators who have been meaningful to his work as an artist. 

James describes his move to New York City in the early 2000s and reflects on his early experiences there as a gay man. During the interview, James spends significant time discussing his involvement with The Tenth, which eventually led him to Hudson in 2017. He also speaks about the uncertainty of the 2016 political climate, particularly Donald Trump’s election, as one influencing factor on his move. 

James concludes his interview by speaking about aging in Hudson as a queer Black man, and expresses his hope for Hudson’s future to remain inclusive and supportive of all populations.

This interview may be of interest to those looking to learn more about the American South, LGBTQ+ communities in Hudson, LGBTQ+ communities in Hudson during the 2010s and 2020s, Black queer identity in publishing, and the experience of aging in a rural setting as a queer Black man.