The KIds Call Me Mr. Phinizy

James Phinizy, a seasoned artist and Bronx native who started his creative journey in the heart of Manhattan’s Park Avenue, now takes great pride in the journey that has afforded him a number of opportunities to express his talents, ranging from being an esteemed educator to an artistic visionary.

He credits his journey greatly to the community at St. Bart’s Church. “There were so many individuals whom I was blessed to cross paths with from the overall community at St Bart’s who helped shift the course of my life, and I will be forever grateful for each and every one of them,” says Phinizy. “I thought I was going there to take an assistant teaching position, and as life would have it, I actually became the pupil.” Phinizy then adds, “I was there to learn some important life lessons from a vary of people. Honestly, both the good and bad experiences helped to shape part of my life in such a way that I cannot imagine not having these experiences and still be the man that I am today.” Phinizy was so deeply impacted by his experience and the relationships he had built up during his tenure at St. Barts that he adds, “I feel like I left with a little piece of each one of them. From my colleagues, the clergy, to the students and their parents, the camp counselors, and right on down to those that maintained the grounds, the list of support and encouragement from the overall staff could go on.” Phinizy adds after some reflection, “Till this day, they always make sure that I know that I have their support, and they have mine.

Phinizy’s experience as an educator and his ability to connect with others is clear when you witness his close personal relationships. He adds, “I simply just view everyone the same. Rich, poor, kids, adults, aristocrat, or beggar. It’s all the same because I look at the soul of the person we all bleed the same at the end of the day.” The beating heart of his vision? “Helping people become the best version of themselves.”

His message to the countless people he has mentored and taught is this: “I just try to live my life around just a few words of one of the late Dr. Angelou’s poems, so I just merely share the message as I go. ‘Pursue the things you love to do, and do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off you. All other tangible rewards will come as a result.’ I challenge you,” says Phinizy. “Put those words into practice and see what happens to your life.”

After teaching countless children and mentoring numerous parents all around New York, Mr. Phinizy is finally bringing his words, his songs, and his inclusive NYC brand to a willing audience of kids of all ages, old and young alike. The first stop is a witty, vivid children’s book called The Adventures of Pretzel Boy. It is inspired by rhythms of the city, featuring glamorous backgrounds and the impish yet lovable (edible) character named Pretzel Boy, and a slew of lovable comical co-characters. Mr. Phinizy’s book is already taking Manhattan by storm! Next stop, the world!