Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) is proud to celebrate one of our outstanding students, White Station High School Senior James Jin, whose leadership and advocacy are making history on the world stage. 

James is the founder of ArtFlow USA, a nonprofit that mentors neurodivergent and racial minority children through creative artistic expression. After receiving an ADHD diagnosis in 2024, James was inspired to create a safe, supportive community for young people like him. What began as a single classroom program has grown far beyond anything he could have imagined. 

“It wasn't until I discovered art that I started looking at my ADHD differently. Instead of focusing on negative aspects, I began focusing on the positive ones such as the creativity and self-expression it offers,” James said. 

“Some of the most famous painters and innovators were neurodivergent, from Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh to Albert Einstein. I wanted to offer art, especially to those who were underprivileged and barred access to basic accommodations, to show the world that neurodivergent people are just as capable. We started in one classroom in White Station High School once every Wednesday and have grown to an international organization in over six countries and 16 cities and reaching more than 10,000 neurodivergent individuals across more than 200 schools.” 

It was this commitment to advocacy through ArtFlow that opened doors to the global stage. James recently became the youngest person ever to participate in proceedings at the 78th Session of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Geneva, Switzerland. There, he delivered a briefing on disability rights that directly shaped UN questioning and policy commitments. 

“As the youngest delegate in the room, I was initially met with curious stares,” James said. “I kept looking around the room at these distinguished experts and diplomats, thinking, I’m representing Memphis, Tennessee here. There was some imposter syndrome, but also a realization that if I was invited, my research must have been credible enough to warrant being there.” 

That research proved powerful. UN experts later referenced James’ findings in their questioning of Russian officials, and one delegate even asked for his contact information to help guide future lawmaking. 

For James, this work is deeply personal. “I am a pure believer that everyone is gifted in some way, and when we focus on what we don't have, we create false negative stigmas. Instead, we should be building systems that recognize and amplify what people can contribute. Disability rights are not just about charity or accommodation, but rather about removing barriers so everyone can participate fully in society.” 

And while his accomplishments are extraordinary, James is also a well-rounded student; balancing academics, basketball, and artistic pursuits with his advocacy and nonprofit leadership. He credits his teachers and experiences in MSCS for preparing him to lead at such a high level.  

“The work that I am able to do today would have been impossible without my MSCS teachers,” James said. “They taught me leadership, resilience, empathy, and confidence to speak up when something isn’t right. I’d love to thank my Principal Mrs. Holland for relentlessly helping me achieve my goals and supporting me every step of the way. I also want to thank my AP Seminar teacher, Ms. Young; my math teacher, Mrs. Cui; my politics teacher, Mr. Rakestraw, and my art teachers Mr. Berlin and Mr. Dycus.” 

James exemplifies the excellence of MSCS students. From starting a nonprofit here in Memphis to influencing global disability rights conversations at the United Nations, he is proof of the incredible potential our district nurtures every day. 

He also reminds us why this work is so important. He said, “disability rights are not optional, but rather fundamental human rights requiring immediate action instead of indefinite ‘progressive realization.’ ” 

Be sure to follow ArtFlow USA’s inspiring work on Instagram at @artflowusa. 

If you have a story about a MSCS student, teacher, or school to highlight, please email us at communications@scsk12.org. Include the school name, story details, and an SCSK12.ORG email for follow-up.