Our Team
JAMES HOLMES, JR
Founder
James has over 35 years of experience as a Finance, Investment and Credit Specialist. After retiring from the Corporate Industry in 2019, James has made it his mission to mentor and train as many young minds as possible. He consistently states, “When people have better options, they make better decisions.”
Holmes describes himself as a “Financial Justice Advocate, a Change Agent and a Uplifter of Humanity”. America will improve as a nation when sound financial literacy is spread from shore to shore. Contrary to popular belief we are all in this together.
James is on fire with passion to do everything within his powers to close the wealth gap in America. He is uniquely qualified to take on this challenge. He has already published several financial literacy books and manuals. His “BABY KING JUMAR” Children’s Financial Literacy Series is specifically target to young children. Holmes says, the earlier we can arm them with sound financial literacy principles and concepts, the better their chance to survive and thrive in a challenging world.
Holmes attacks the wealth gap with a multi-faceted approach. He mentors youth of all ages, he is an author of financial literacy and help books. He has recorded over 50 YouTube Podcast, helped open several businesses, coordinated job placement, teaches financial literacy master classes, developed a credit repair program, with accompanying books and manuals, public speaking, and much more.
In summary, Holmes states, “From whom much is given, much is required”. God has been generous to me, so I have a big assignment to help uplift humanity any way I can, and bring our country closer to it’s great ideals. Through Black Lion, we want to train and mentor as many young minds as possible. At the end of the day, when I answer to God, I hope I can say that I would not have a single talent, skill, knowledge, idea, concept, creation, energy left. That I used everything he gave me. That I shared passionately and relentlessly to improve humanity!”
ANGELICA HOLMES
Vice President
Angelica has years of experience in education and the nonprofit sector. After graduating with a BA in English Language, Angelica began her legacy of educational service by serving with City Year. She then transitioned to Teach for America and currently acts as the Executive Director of Black Outside Inc. / Camp Director of Camp Founder Girls, where the mission is to reconnect Black /African-American youth to the outdoors through culturally relevant outdoor experiences.
Angelica is a relentless behind the scenes worker for Black Lion. She has done significant work with digital creations, web design, social media engagement, graphic design, written content and much more. She juggles Black Lion responsibilities her obligations as “Black Outside” Executive Director. She believes it is super important to be actively engaged in efforts to up lift all humanity!
ANTHONY MATTSON
Vice President
Anthony Mattson has been a significant part of Black Lion from the beginning. The organization could not exist without his dedication and loyalty. He has invaluable technology skills and many years of IT management. His financial acumen is high level and crucial for young organizations navigating through the various crisis in the past couple of years. Antony has over 25 years of IT experience spreading across numerous business industries such as health care, insurance and financial. When not working, he enjoys golf, travel, and spending time with his family. Previously, Anthony served on the board of directors for Prodigal House (an Addiction and Mental health treatment facility and sober housing) and mentored inner city pre high school aged youth through the St. Paul Urban League, improving their mathematic skills. Anthony wants every person to experience the same opportunities to succeed in life and not be limited based on unawareness or lack of knowledge.