Wherever James Brown goes, he meets people, easily conversing with everyone from governors to interns. To him, each new person is a friend he hasn’t yet met.

Growing up in the San Francisco Bay area, Brown’s home was a community hub. His mother always made extra food for the friends and neighbors who showed up at dinner time to visit with the family. No one was ever turned away.

“That was the reputation my mom had,” Brown said. “She’d cook a lot of food and there were always big pots on the table. People dropped in and they would be Black kids or white kids or brown kids. It was a collage of different people. That’s the way my mother was.”

That experience taught Brown the value of connection and conversation, demonstrating that ethnicity, religion, political beliefs or income levels shouldn’t be a cause for division, but a chance to learn about each other and celebrate differences. 

Now a resident of South Salt Lake, Brown has had myriad experiences in the media industry. He’s an award-winning broadcast journalist, working with ABC 4 Utah for nine years and hosting “New Horizons,” a community-based television show on KUED, for 13 years.

As Brown entered his senior years, he discovered that aging in America is difficult. The culture embraces youth while neglecting or ignoring the wisdom of the older generations. He said closing that gap will take a concerted effort to bring people of all ages together to learn from each other. 

To combat ageism and to help older Americans enjoy happier, healthier lives, Brown founded Living & Aging With Pride. The nonprofit is dedicated to addressing unique challenges faced by aging populations, while inspiring, uplifting and encouraging people to continue their engagement with life. 

“A lot of what I’m doing comes into play because of what I’m going through as a senior myself,” Brown said. “I face these same issues, but the difference between me and other seniors is that I talk to people, and I ask questions.”

Part of the Living & Aging With Pride platform includes an award-winning TV show where Brown finds experts to explain ways to improve his life through healthy habits, engagement and education. He wants the show to provide resources, information and connection to seniors across the country. 

In November, “Living & Aging With Pride” received the Rocky Mountain Emmys 2024 Governors’ Award, recognizing outstanding and unique accomplishments in the television industry. The award honors broadcast excellence, highlighting programs making an impact in the community. 

Brown hopes the TV show will encourage productive dialogue between seniors and their family members, and society in general. 

“Conversation gets rid of the negativity. Conversation makes you comfortable with people that you don’t know or you might not understand,” he said. “What we don’t do in American society is eradicate the negativity. Conversation and listening are key to communication. Just because you talk doesn’t mean you communicate.”

Brown’s life has been filled with opportunities. He’s run marketing firms, record labels, advertising agencies and radio shows. He’s worked with big companies, political leaders and local influencers. He attributes his success and longevity to his ability to connect with people from all walks of life, just like his mom taught him.

“There’s a melting pot of things that have brought me to this table today,” Brown said. “I think it enriches me and it helps me, and I enjoy it. I have a good time talking to people. I’ve learned over the years that it’s better to be happy with yourself. Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

To learn more about Living & Aging With Pride, visit LivingWithPride.org.