JT Taylor hosts this episode featuring the dynamic John E. “JP” Paige, candidate for City Council for the 4th Ward in Norfolk, VA. John E. “JP” Paige is representative of a new generation of leadership in Norfolk. A U.S. Air Force veteran, service to America was on-the-job training in planning, efficiency, and execution. It is where Paige learned to feed off the energy and synergy of others. Whether it was business, civic, or charity, service has been a mission if not a passion of the Paige family. Service has always been the base of the family tree. Paige excels in building strategic alliances. When we are all invested in success, everyone shares in the victory. A savvy specialist in organizational management, planning, and marketing, Paige is the owner and manager of a successful bail bonding company. Paige’s career in public service began as an Adjunct Professor at his Alma Mater, Norfolk State University, with the Going Places program in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he recruited, trained, and developed employment opportunities within the hospitality industry. He would later return to the Norfolk Campus of Norfolk State University as Director of Student Services for the School of Business. John was born in the Virgin Islands and moved with his mother to her hometown of Norfolk, Virginia, at a very early age. Along with his family, JP worshiped at the Historic Basilica of St. Mary’s of the Immaculate Conception in Norfolk, VA. As a teen, JP excelled in basketball and played for high school programs in Norfolk. In 1989, JP earned a General Education Diploma and joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve. After completing his military training, he attended Norfolk State and majored in Hotel/Restaurant Management. He also joined the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. While matriculating at NSU, JP was selected for active duty and served in Operation Desert Shield. In 1998, he obtained his Master of Science in Management from Troy State University. Paige is a Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and an active member of the Norfolk Alumni Chapter. JP has received national awards for his leadership in Guide Right (Kappa’s youth initiative providing mentoring, college prep., and tutoring). He was appointed to provincial Social Action and Guide Right, gaining national attention for his success with these programs. JP served the Norfolk Alumni Chapter as the Guide Right Director for five years. Most recently, here in Norfolk, JP has been working with community leaders, stakeholders, and organizations to help stop the acts of violence on the streets of Norfolk. John E. “JP” Paige is a son, brother, nephew, husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Djuna E. H. Paige, reside in the Middletown Arch community. Servicing the community and leadership are in JP’s blood; his great-great-grandfather, R. G. L. Paige, served in the House of Delegates (1871–1875, 1879–1882) and was possibly the first African American lawyer in Norfolk. One way or another, serving people is John Paige’s mission. Bio written and provided by Alicia E. Smith, JD
