A lifelong Chicagoan, Jeffery Beckham Jr. has always believed in the age-old adage “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Throughout his career, he has worked in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors in an array of fields, including technology, education, and community economic development. He recently signed on as CEO of Chicago Scholars after working in technology for Quest Diagnostics, Atlas Medical Corporation, and The New Teacher Center.
He is constantly striving to support traditionally underserved youth, working as a mentor with the 100 Black Men of Chicago, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity INC., and other programs in Chicago. Jeffery also works in ministry as a youth bible study leader, serving in many ministries during his time as a 24-year member of New Faith Baptist Church International in Matteson. In 2016, Jeffery was elected as the community representative on the Local School Council at King College Prep and currently serves on the Board of Directors for The 100 Black Men of Chicago and the Congo Square Theater. He is also a sought-after speaker with appearances at 1871, Facebook, Groupon, and has been featured as an expert source on CBS-2, ABC-7, Fox-32, WBEZ’s Chicago Tonight, WVON’s The Perri Small Show, WCIU’s The Jam, and Chicago Now, among others.
Jeffery’s thoughtful and dedicated leadership has received numerous awards. WVON and Ariel Investments named Jeffery one of Chicago’s Top 40 Game Changers Under 40 years old in 2015, he was a finalist for the Chicago Inno 50 on Fire Award in 2016. The RAY Awards named him their 2018-2019 Man of the Year and a 2021 Chicago Defender Man of Excellence for his work in the community.
He’s also a 2016 New Leaders Council Alum, Impact Fellowship Alum (2018), Civic Action Capstone Fellowship Alum (2019), and 2020 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder Award Fellow. Jeffery is a graduate of the University of Missouri. Amid his numerous impactful leadership positions, Jeffery began painting last year and uses his art for social and economic justice to make an impact in Chicago at Art by Jeffery Beckham. As a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist, his work has been on display around the world.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the ever-busy Mr. Beckham to learn more about what motivates him, his dedication to the youth, and his unexpected foray into the world of art.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Jeffery Beckham Jr.
I’m a service-minded leader that is great at using strategic thinking and the power of relationships to help people and organizations put together solutions to complex problems.
When you were a child, what was your dream occupation?
I dreamed of growing up to lead a company. I thought I’d lead an organization one day. Dreams do come true.
Please tell us about Chicago Scholars, its mission, and your duties as CEO?
At Chicago Scholars, we believe that your zip code should not determine your life outcome. Our scholars are first-generation students and students from low-income households from every zip code and community area in the city of Chicago. We are empowering them with the mentorship, opportunities, and resources to go to the colleges of their choice and onto becoming Chicago’s next generation of leaders. As CEO I’m responsible for leading the strategic direction of the organization that serves more than 5,000 students from Chicago.
How important is it to you to mentor and give back to the youth?
Mentorship is a key part of my life. It started with my parents and I’ve been blessed to have many amazing mentors after them, therefore I’ve always felt it my responsibility to mentor as well. I’ve served as a mentor in many programs like Link Unlimited Scholars, 100 Black Men of Chicago, Kappa Alpha Psi, New Faith Baptist Church, and New Leaders Council. We must lift as we climb especially if we want to eradicate poverty and inequity.
In addition to all your work duties and time spent contributing to various organizations, you’ve also taken up painting art. How did you come to pick up the paintbrush?
I started painting after the passing of my friend Brain Sleet a couple of years ago. Sleet knew his purpose. Many have asked me, “Jeff when are you running for office?” Just a few nights before his passing, Sleet spent time with me discussing an opportunity I had at the time to step into politics. It ended up not working out, but I picked up a paint brush the day I learned of his death. Now I’ve discovered an ability to do something I never even knew existed. At 39 years old I discovered this talent. Two years later, I’ve created over 200 original works of art and 800 prints that have sold all over the globe including works I’ve shipped to the MET, Brown University, as well as pieces displayed on television.
Do you have specific themes in mind when you paint? How do you decide on your subjects?
I pick subjects that highlight and share the story of the beauty of black culture and the broader African diaspora. My goal is to use my style (brightly colored, eye-catching abstract realism) to open dialogue around the stories of the subjects I paint.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your business dealings?
- Put people first. A mentor of mine quotes President Obama who said, “If you take care of your people and yourself, the work gets done.”
- Lead with gratitude. If you operate with an attitude of humility and gratefulness you can truly create scaled impact and change.
- Always shoot your shot! As a person of color, I recognize that I’m privileged to be at the tables I’m at and I often represent a demographic that corporate leadership may not always get to hear from. It’s my duty to use my voice, open doors, and work to create more seats at the table for people who look like me!
Can you name a book that changed or really impacted your life?
Has to be The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Those four concepts of being impeccable with your word, never taking anything personally, never making assumptions, and always doing your best have altered my approach to leadership and life.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a major clothing/shoe fetish. Like…it’s really a problem. *laughs*
Best advice to aspiring youth?
Believe in yourself. Your skills, identity, and even the obstacles you’ve overcome all provide value to the world. You are purposed to do something great in this world, you just have to have faith.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
What’s next for Jeffery Beckham Jr?
I want to see Chicago Scholars grow to serve our entire addressable market of academically ambitious first-generation students in Chicago in the next 5 years. Data suggests that’s about 3,000- 4,000 students (we currently bring in 600 annually). I also want to increase the number of men of color in our program 4X in that time. As for me, I plan to continue to paint and will be launching a line of clothing and custom-painted travel bags for the holiday season. I also have started a book! So a lot is coming down the road. Stay Tuned.
For more information please visit www.chicagoscholars.org and connect with Jeffery on his Instagram page.
