Meet J.R. Hoodstar, the Wyandotte County MC who also teaches auto maintenance
James Donnelson, better known as J.R. Hoodstar, grew up in Wyandotte County’s housing projects, surrounded by crime, poverty and instability.
He quickly realized that many young men lacked one crucial thing: direction.
Now 38, the well-known nightlife MC and promoter is using his experiences to give back. Through his Boys to Men Workshop, Donnelson teaches young boys practical automotive skills, like changing tires and checking oil, while mentoring them toward a better future.
Last year, in recognition of his impact, Wyandotte County issued a proclamation honoring his community work, naming May 4 “J.R. Hoodstar Day.”
As he prepared for an upcoming workshop along with his annual 913 BBQ event, which was held Sept. 13, Donnelson sat down with The Star’s culture and identity reporter J.M. Banks to talk about his connection to his community, the need for mentors and his hopes for Wyandotte’s future.
Tell me about your early life and upbringing and what led you into the work you’re doing now.
I moved around a little bit but came up the hard way. We went through the transitions of the projects, dealt with some drugs in the house but that didn’t really play a major part in my life. I kept my head on a swivel.
I didn’t really start getting mentors until I was part of the drill team. Back then, they had mentors and Big Brothers who looked out for us. Then growing up in the projects, we had the Gear Up Program. They used to take us to the university, and mentors would come talk to us about life, different topics. That was probably my first real exposure.
It showed me you can come from a small town with a big heart. We didn’t have many resources or much spotlight, but we made our own way. Whether it was in the streets, education, or sports—being from Wyandotte meant you had to fight. Nothing was given to us. You had to work for everything.
Growing up, I was always into sports, always active. What really inspired me to start the program is because I’ve been that boy before wanting to learn certain skills and certain training. And now that my mind has matured and I’m thinking about the future, it made sense to create something for the boys. I’ve got sons around that same age too. So it’s about showing them something positive in a world full of negativity.
Where did the name J.R. Hoodstar come from and what’s the meaning behind it?
It was more of a nickname given to me. Growing up in the projects, I got into the street life early. I was always popular and kept myself together, kept my appearance right. Someone called me “Hoodstar” one day and it stuck. I knew everybody in the neighborhood, so it made sense. And “J.R.” comes from me being a junior. That’s where it all comes together.
Most people know me for hosting most of the club concerts and big nightlife events. I’m a good-spirited guy with good energy. No one’s perfect, but I try to be positive, show respect and support others. That’s what I’m known for. That is what I want the Hoodstar name to be known for.
Was there a moment you decided to start the Boys to Men workshop?
It came from always telling myself, “If I ever became somebody big, I’d give back.” So once I started getting a platform, I stopped waiting. I thought, “Why wait until I ‘make it’?” Life is a blessing every day. So I started while I was still on my journey.
Everyone’s got different lanes. Mine isn’t just about talking, I wanted to show these boys something. Learning activates the mind. That’s what made me say, “Now’s the time.”
What are some key life skills you focus on in the workshop?
Besides changing tires, I talk to them about learning a trade. It’s okay to have a 9-to-5. It’s okay to make legal money. I let them know fast money isn’t the only way, it comes with consequences. Some guys I knew in that lifestyle I’ll never see again. But I also know guys who went and learned a trade and now own shops.
Why do you think there’s such a stigma around young Black boys doing honest work?
Mainly the internet. YouTube, social media, even music, make it seem like fast money is the only way. I let them know, yeah, I host events, but I also have a job. That’s guaranteed income. You don’t have to look over your shoulder. And some boys grow up watching their uncles or older brothers hustling. But I tell them, that outcome rarely ends well.
Because I’ve been that boy. They feel the genuineness. You can’t fake that. Some are hesitant at first, but when they feel it’s real, they open up. You have to keep it 100 with them and yourself. You can’t mentor others if you’re not real with yourself.
How long have you been doing the workshop?
We are starting our second year. It’s a couple of hours on a Saturday. I don’t follow a fixed schedule. I just pick a date and go with it, mostly during the summer when weather’s good. I am working toward getting a building so we can move things indoors eventually.
It has been a blessing. First time, I had about 30 boys show up. Now, I’ve worked with over 100 boys since we started. Some came off standoffish, but most were eager to learn. Parents reached out after the sessions with videos, kids checking oil, fixing flat tires. One mom told me her son changed a tire on his own after attending. That let me know it’s working.
Why automotive work? Why start there?
That’s the lane I’m confident in. I’m not a mechanic, but I know how to change a tire, check the oil, basic stuff most young boys would learn from their father or male role model. Some of these boys don’t have that. So why not pass the knowledge I have on?
I would say I had to learn a lot on my own. My dad was around, but we moved around a lot, even to different states. So I had to teach myself a lot.
Why is it important for boys to learn these skills early?
It’s like how it was back in the day, men knew basic car maintenance. You don’t have to be a mechanic, but you should know the basics. Plus, it gets their minds working. Once they learn something simple, they want to learn more. I always encourage them to learn a trade or craft that they are passionate about. It might not be cars but there will be something besides being on the streets looking for fast money.
How did it feel to be honored by Wyandotte County with a day named after you?
It felt amazing. I never imagined something like that. That day is part of my legacy now and for the boys too. It shows them that someone from their same background can achieve great things.
Nothing but love. I get love in Missouri too, but Wyandotte County especially. That love is what keeps me going. I know the hate exists, but I don’t see it much because of all the support.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Not everyone wants to see the community come together. Politics play a part. Some people aren’t used to someone like me, a guy from the projects, having a positive impact. That’s the hurdle.
People hear the name and may take it the wrong way. It’s about being myself. That name represents who I am, real, respectful, and positive. If people get to know me, they’ll understand what I stand for.
Beyond skills, what’s the biggest message you hope they take away?
That it’s okay to make good choices. It’s okay to ask questions. And that somebody really cares about them. Some of these boys don’t hear that enough. I want them to know that there’s more to life than what they see every day. You can be something different, you can be better and you don’t have to wait for permission.
Tell me about the 913 Day barbecue and how all that got started out?
913 Day barbecue, basically for the 913 day, the area code, the date for the area code, it will be on that day. And it’s just once again, just give it back to my community. Free barbecue, not charging nobody. I just want you, whoever come grab a plate. This is about doing my part, like I say. And I just feel like it’s one of those I have to do for the community.
I got, of course free BBQ, free food. I have bounce houses for the kids, face painting for the kids. Uh, drill team performance. Uh, we’re going to have dominoes, spades, chess, checkers, game tables, um, out there for adults and whoever else want to play. Um, live music, got a DJ and a couple performances as well and just really just a bond of the community out there.
Are there any plans for next year events that you would like to see implemented?
No, we’re just, I’m just taking a day at a time with it. So far, man, this is a milestone as far as me because it’s like, it’s a legendary spot for us. That would be 11th and Lake. I mean, the only thing is just more people just know about it and come and celebrate it. That’s all. Just let it grow. Watch it grow.
What’s next for you and your community work?
I want to expand. I’m working on getting a permanent space, somewhere indoors so we can go year-round, rain or shine. I also want to bring in more people, barbers, chefs, plumbers, so these boys get exposed to all types of trades and knowledge. It’s about giving them real options. Real tools.
What advice would you get to someone looking to start mentoring youth and youth looking for mentors?
Never stop believing in the youth. Even when it feels like they’re not listening, they are. And to the boys: Don’t let your environment define you. Let your actions do that. Somebody out here sees you and we believe in you.
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