Who is Mac J?
Clarence McFerren II
Renaissance Man
Clarence McFerren II, a native Memphian, is an inspiring educator and a multifaceted renaissance man. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Clarence competed on the Blue Raider track team and received a B.S. in Mass Communications with minors in Dance, Speech, and Theater. Clarence launched his career in Washington, D.C. public charter schools, where he began his specialization in arts education, focusing on interdisciplinary and inquiry based learning.
Later, he graduated from American University with a M.A. in Performing Arts: Dance and a graduate certificate in Arts Management. That eventually led to working and training engagements with various organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, Americans for the Arts, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Ailey School, Tennessee Arts Commission, to name a few. It was in these capacities that he cultivated his optimistic leadership style to engage the multiple intelligences of young minds to fearlessly think independently.
His diverse expertise in the arts and education at all levels allowed him to contribute to the TN Fine Arts Growth Measures System as part of the Tennessee Race to the Top and Memphis City Schools partnership. Clarence has also completed his Ed.S. in Educational Leadership at Cambridge College and has participated in the Chinese Bridge for American Schools delegation with the College Board traveling throughout China.
Clarence is a Miss America Scholarship Pageant certified judge, Tennessee Notary Public, USA Track & Field Level II sprints, hurdles, and relays coach, lifetime member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and former finance specialist paratrooper in the United States Army.
Coach, you've taught me a lot. I'm not perfect, and my life has mirrored that fact. I've had my high points and many low days. I've also been confined to a bathroom-sized prison cell in the middle of nowhere for nearly 4 years. I'm now 25. More of my many years have been filled with pain rather than joy, but I've always had faith. I'm currently employed and learning a trade. Everyone does something they aren't 'proud of but it's what you do with it that counts. You not only taught me how to be an athlete and showed me that you cared but you taught me how to be a better person.
Inner city kids are often overlooked. They lack the materials needed for athletics but more importantly the classroom. We learn to adapt to our surroundings. However, Clarence didn’t teach us to conform but to change, use what we had as motivation, and succeed. He taught me more than to be an exceptional runner, he taught me to be a man. Clarence is a major key to why I am who I am today. It’s so much more than being a coach but a motivator and a friend.
Mac reached out to me about a photo shoot. We set it up and on the day of the shoot I asked him, as I do all my clients, what would you like to listen to while we shoot? He said "something real "ratchet" Do you have some Gangsta Boo?" Lol. He was so fun and full of energy! I absolutely love working with him and getting to know the many sides of this inspiring renaissance man.
I appreciate Clarence’s drive and his openness to creativity in making his brand a house hold name. I was definitely inspired by his professionalism and passion for his craft which he cares for his clients. Also, I enjoyed our relationship as his stylist because he made it easy to accessorize his style to fit his brand with a clear vision of his goals.