James McLeod, a Westchester County, NY native known affectionately as ‘That Vitiligo Guy,’ has transcended adversity to become a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless people worldwide. His journey from selling drugs at the age of 13 to juvenile detention centers to federal prison to becoming a successful motivational speaker, author, personal trainer, and DJ is nothing short of remarkable.
From the tender age of 18 months, McLeod bore the physical markings of vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigmentation in patches on the skin, hair, and even mucous membranes. This visual contrast served as a poignant metaphor for the complexities of his identity—a young black boy navigating a world often at odds with his appearance and internal sense of self. While vitiligo impacts individuals of all skin types, it is more noticeable in those with darker skin, like McLeod’s.
McLeod accepted his vitiligo at the age of 7 and embraced it by age 11, giving himself the name ‘DJ Half,’ a nickname he uses to this day. Despite his confidence, McLeod fell into selling drugs due to the influence of his neighborhood and some family members. His father was an addict, and his mother did all she could to support him. As McLeod matured, his path took a darker turn in adolescence. Even though his mother tried her best, he was captured by the allure of the streets in search of acceptance and validation in misguided places. Facing juvenile detention and later federal prison, pivotal chapters in his life, tested his resolve and challenged his sense of self.
While in federal prison, McLeod befriended Rick Harsche, a man 20 years his senior who shared the same birthday. Their friendship and mutual support were crucial in McLeod’s journey of self-improvement. They discussed how they were going to leave prison as better people, never to return. Even after Harsche’s release, they maintained contact through letters, texts, and phone calls.
After his release from prison in 2012, McLeod was determined to start over. The challenges of vitiligo were nothing compared to starting life anew as a felon. He was turned away from a grocery store due to his prison record but finally found his first job at Panera Bread. This job marked a turning point in his life. “I knew I could not turn back, and I had to start facing the challenges in my life, or I would end back in prison,” McLeod said.
McLeod now embraces the man he sees in the mirror. He has written children’s books on his life, is a motivational speaker, physical trainer, and DJ. His website, That Vitiligo Guy, serves as his portal to reach out and motivate people with the tagline, “Smile and let your happy shine.” Teaming up with his childhood friend, now an advocate for juvenile justice reform, McLeod stands alongside legislators and policymakers to champion the rights and well-being of vulnerable youth. His journey illustrates the resilience needed to overcome adversity and the significant role of individuals dedicated to lifting others from the depths of hardship. Through finding the right community, he was able to turn his life around.
One person who has helped McLeod shine is Vastia Sylvester, a psychologist who met him earlier this year when she and Briya Fitzgerald were finding panelists to share their stories beyond their skin condition for their Colorful Connections Tour. “Vitiligo is part of the story but not who a person is,” Sylvester said. At Colorful Connections Inc., Sylvester and Fitzgerald celebrate and empower individuals living with vitiligo to embrace their uniqueness and thrive in supportive communities. Sylvester added, “Together, we can eliminate stigmas, cultivate inclusivity, and promote mental well-being for all living with vitiligo and their support systems.”
As ‘That Vitiligo Guy,’ McLeod embodies resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief in the human capacity for redemption and growth. He dons a symbol of his self-love outwardly, with a heart right over his eye from his pigment coming back with no intervention from a dermatologist. He serves as a reminder that true liberation lies not in conformity but in the unapologetic embrace of one’s authentic self. His story is a testament to the transformative power of self-love, community support, and the relentless pursuit of one’s true potential. McLeod is currently pursuing his GED, proving it is never too late to improve.
McLeod recently DJed Harsche’s son’s wedding, further cementing a friendship that started in prison. McLeod’s journey serves as a testament to the strength found in facing adversity head-on and the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive community.
June 25th is Vitiligo Awareness Day … use the day to show love and support for everyone.
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