User:Mrbem

James Thomas was born in Los Angeles.

As a teenager in the 1970's, seeing the likes of Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and other's come through his uncle' s VIP Records store began his love affair with the entertainment industry. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1978 and turned down admission into college in order to follow in the entrepreneurial path he had seen paved. At the age of 21, James took $600 and started his first business, Video Plus Records.

Over time he would start several other ventures, including the "Minority Business Association", and the "White Glove Cleaning and Detail Service", whose clients included Robert Townsend, David Lee Roth, and the Black Crowes.

In the meantime James had taken college courses, completed the USC Entrepreneurial Program, and was inducted into the Successful Alumni Hall Of Fame in 1989 at Fremont High School. He also stayed close to the community, working with at risk youth in both Inglewood and Los Angeles.

With no experience in publishing but a desire to see a publication that showcased Black positivity, James started "Style One Magazine" in 1992. While this venture was short lived, James took the initiative to continue to infiltrate the industry that enthralled him. He worked with various publications as a writer and reporter, interviewing many of the most prominent figures on the entertainment scene.

In 1995 James founded what became the "Hollywood Music Showcase", as well as "BEM Entertainment", the cornerstone of which is Black Entertainment Magazine. This publication, which debuted in 1997, has had covers featuring Vivica A. Fox, Kirk Franklin, K-ci and JoJo, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Antonio L.A. Reid, rapper Sylk E. Fyne, Mo'niqe, Mack 10, among others.

Along with the magazine, BEM Entertainment, Inc. now encompasses The James Thomas Agency Public Relations, BEM Books ( the book publishing arm), BEM Films (Producer of documentaries), The Carson Courier, The Beverly Hills Mirror, & L.A. Tourist Newspapers

In 1999 James founded the Janice Denise Thomas Foundationin memory of his sister to help women with cancer. The foundation gives Teddy Bears to patients for Christmas.

In 2000 he was honored when "BEM" was selected to host the "2000 Entertainment Industry Summit" at the Los Angeles Black Business Expo and Trade Show, which was attended by more than 75,000 people over the three day weekend.

James Thomas has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, The Daily Breeze Newspaper, and various other media.

He regularly speaks to youngsters at school, churches, and youth organization, does motivational seminars on how to start businesses with limited resources and is currently writing a book of motivational quotes.