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    30 Facts About Matt James

    Jehanna Gould

    Written by Jehanna Gould

    Modified & Updated: 25 Feb 2025

    Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
    30-facts-about-matt-james
    Source: Variety.com

    Who is Matt James? Matt James is a name that resonates with many, especially fans of reality TV. Born on December 5, 1991, in Raleigh, North Carolina, he made history as the first Black male lead on ABC's The Bachelor. But there's more to him than just his television fame. Raised by his mother, Patty, James is biracial, with a Nigerian father and a White American mother. His journey spans from being a college football player at Wake Forest University to a brief stint in professional football. Beyond the screen, he's an entrepreneur and activist, co-founding ABC Food Tours to help kids in low-income communities.

    Key Takeaways:

    • 1. Matt James, the first Black male lead on "The Bachelor," is a philanthropist, marathon runner, and real estate associate. His journey from football to TV showcases his commitment to social change and personal growth.
    • 2. Matt James, a biracial advocate for social change, co-founded ABC Food Tours and competes in marathons. His TV journey and activism highlight his dedication to uplifting underprivileged communities and promoting healthy lifestyles.
    Table of Contents
    01Early Life and Education
    02Professional Football and Finance Career
    03Founding of ABC Food Tours
    04The Bachelor
    05Relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell
    06Dancing with the Stars
    07Philanthropic Work and Social Media Influence
    08Real Estate Career and Marathon Running
    09Personal Life and Activism
    10Matt James: A Multifaceted Trailblazer

    Early Life and Education

    Matt James' journey began in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was raised by his mother, Patty James. His upbringing and education played a crucial role in shaping his future.

    1. 01Matt James was born on December 5, 1991, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
    2. 02He is biracial, with a Black Nigerian father and a White American mother.
    3. 03Growing up, he identified as Black and was deeply influenced by his mother's strong values and support.
    4. 04James graduated from Sanderson High School in 2010.
    5. 05He earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Wake Forest University in 2015.
    6. 06During his time at Wake Forest, he played as a wide receiver for the university's football team, the Demon Deacons.

    Professional Football and Finance Career

    Before becoming a television personality, Matt James explored careers in professional football and finance.

    1. 07James had mini-camp tryouts with the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints but was not signed by either team.
    2. 08After college, he worked at PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
    3. 09He later moved to New York City and worked for CBRE Group, Inc., a commercial real estate company.

    Founding of ABC Food Tours

    Matt James co-founded ABC Food Tours, a nonprofit organization, to help kids in low-income communities.

    1. 10In 2015, James co-founded ABC Food Tours.
    2. 11The organization aims to provide nutritional fitness to kids in low-income communities in New York City.
    3. 12ABC Food Tours introduces students facing food insecurity and adversity to positive role models in professional careers, leadership roles, and healthy lifestyles.
    4. 13Since its inception, ABC Food Tours has connected with over 1,500 students through 30 tours.
    5. 14The goal of the initiative is to expand opportunities for underprivileged kids.

    The Bachelor

    Matt James made history as the first Black male lead on ABC's hit show, The Bachelor.

    1. 15He made his on-screen debut as a reality star on The Bachelorette before being selected as the next Bachelor for season 25.
    2. 16His casting made him the first male African American lead in the franchise's history.
    3. 17His season was filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding an extra layer of complexity.
    4. 18The season focused on his biracial identity and the challenges he faced as a Black man in a predominantly white franchise.

    Relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell

    Matt James' relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell was a significant part of his journey on The Bachelor.

    1. 19During his time on The Bachelor, James chose graphic designer Rachael Kirkconnell as the woman he wanted to pursue a relationship with.
    2. 20The couple initially got back together after a brief breakup.
    3. 21They announced their separation in January 2025, citing the need for time and space to mend their broken hearts.

    Dancing with the Stars

    Matt James showcased his versatility by competing on Dancing with the Stars.

    1. 22In September 2021, he was announced as one of the celebrities competing on season 30 of Dancing with the Stars.
    2. 23He was partnered with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold.
    3. 24Although they were eliminated in week 4, finishing in 12th place, their participation highlighted James' willingness to take on new challenges.

    Philanthropic Work and Social Media Influence

    Beyond television, Matt James is deeply committed to philanthropy and uses his social media presence to influence positive change.

    1. 25His work with ABC Food Tours is just one example of his dedication to helping underprivileged children.
    2. 26He has been involved in various other charitable initiatives, including working with companies like Delta and American Express to support community programs.
    3. 27With over 1 million followers across various social media platforms, he engages in important conversations and promotes social change.

    Real Estate Career and Marathon Running

    Matt James continues to pursue his interests in real estate and physical fitness.

    1. 28He is a real estate associate at the Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (C.R.B.E.) Group in New York City.
    2. 29James is an avid marathon runner and has participated in the New York City Marathon in both 2022 and 2023.

    Personal Life and Activism

    Matt James remains committed to personal growth and social activism.

    1. 30He is an outspoken advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement, using his platform to inspire meaningful conversations and drive social change.

    Matt James: A Multifaceted Trailblazer

    Matt James isn't just a TV personality; he's a dynamic force in various fields. From his early days in Raleigh, North Carolina, to becoming the first Black male lead on The Bachelor, James has consistently broken barriers. His work with ABC Food Tours showcases his commitment to philanthropy, helping kids in low-income communities. Beyond TV, he's dabbled in real estate, finance, and even marathon running. His relationship with Rachael Kirkconnell and stint on Dancing with the Stars added layers to his public persona. Despite controversies, James remains a positive role model, advocating for social change and racial diversity. With a strong social media presence and a net worth of around $250,000, his influence continues to grow. Matt James is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the power of using one's platform for good.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who is Matt James?
    Matt James made history as the first Black lead on "The Bachelor" during its 25th season. Before stepping into the spotlight, he was known for his philanthropy work and a close friendship with Tyler Cameron, another contestant from "The Bachelorette."
    How did Matt James become famous?
    His rise to fame kicked off when he was announced as the lead for Season 25 of "The Bachelor." This announcement was significant, not just for his personal journey, but also for the franchise's history, marking a step towards diversity and inclusion.
    What does Matt James do for a living?
    Outside the glitz and glamour of reality TV, Matt is deeply involved in community service. He co-founded ABC Food Tours, an organization that educates kids from underserved communities about food and exercise in a fun and engaging way.
    Is Matt James still with his final pick from "The Bachelor"?
    As of my last update, Matt James and his final rose recipient, Rachael Kirkconnell, had their share of ups and downs. Their relationship status has been subject to change, so it's best to look up the most recent updates for the latest.
    What's something surprising about Matt James?
    Many are surprised to learn that Matt has never watched an entire season of "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette" before becoming the Bachelor himself. He went into the experience with fresh eyes, which added an interesting twist to his season.
    How can I learn more about Matt James' work with ABC Food Tours?
    For those keen on diving deeper into Matt's philanthropic efforts, visiting the ABC Food Tours website or their social media pages is a great start. They often share updates on events, tours, and ways volunteers can contribute to their mission.
    Has Matt James written any books?
    Yes, Matt James has taken his experiences and lessons learned to the literary world. He authored a book that delves into his life, beliefs, and his journey before, during, and after "The Bachelor." It's a must-read for fans wanting to know more about his personal growth and outlook on life.

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