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Jasmin Williams is a committed father of six and an agent for change. In a laid back interview with Williams, on Sept. 22, 2020, he explained that his upbringing in the North Lawndale community on the West side of Chicago inspired him to want to make a difference in his life and the lives of others.
Once an athlete on both the football and basketball teams at Westinghouse High School, he learned how no longer being active could easily result in a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, living in a community with limited access to grocery stores and other amenities lead to Williams putting on unwanted pounds.
Weight Loss Journey
Being an agent for change first starts with self. Weighing in at 300 pounds, Williams made the commitment to do something about his health. He changed his eating habits and patterns. Turning to primarily fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as cutting out late-night eating helped him to shed a whopping 65 pounds.
He developed a love for food like broccoli that didn’t always satisfy his taste buds. However, his new respect for food showed him that he must eat to live and not live to eat.
Williams admits his year-long journey was not easy. There were times when he fell short but his will to change overpowered his shortcomings. His family was the first to notice the changes in his slimming physique and facial features. These compliments were the push he needed to catapult him to the next level of weight loss which he now knows is a lifetime commitment.
His advice to those that are on their personal weight loss journey is:
Stay strong. Keep at it. If you fall down or fall short, immediately get back up and start over again.
Committed Father
Williams is a proud father of six children ranging from four to 25 years old. He claims to not have any favorites but admits that his precocious 4-year-old daughter has already learned how to run the show.
He has a great relationship with his children and they support him on his journey to improve his health.
Changes to Improve the Community
An entrepreneur at heart, Williams would like to become and see more Black-owned businesses in North Lawndale. He wants the dollar to circulate more times within the community. The idea of reinvesting in the community, Williams believes, will strengthen impoverished neighborhoods.
Williams was able to bypass some of the many pitfalls that growing up in the inner city can possess. He would like to alter the mindset of the youth by instituting the following changes:
• Mentorship programs.
• Providing clear alternatives to engage youth.
•Listen to youth.
He would like to personally mentor youth because he believes he can relate to them — especially, inner-city youth and more specifically, the youth living in the North Lawndale community. He understands the landscape of the area and is privy to areas and activities that should be avoided.
Williams stressed the importance of providing clear and distinct paths for youth that have disengaged from their negative ways. If they put the guns down, what should they pick up? He feels there should be specified options laid out for youth to clearly change paths.
He further stated if people would simply listen to the youth they will tell you what they need.
A Change of Leadership
As the 2020 Presidential election approaches, Williams is adamant he will cast his vote. He reluctantly admitted that he did not vote in the 2016 election because he did not necessarily like either candidate.
His family voiced their disdain for him not exercising his right to vote. He heard them loud and clear and will partake in the upcoming election. His adult children are also registered voters and also plan to make their votes count this year.
Williams proudly recalled a chance encounter with former President Barack Obama while on his lunch break. He described the moment as mesmerizing as the president engaged him by shaking his hand and asking him his name.
Hobbies and Interests
Williams can be described as laid back, respectful, and courteous. He laughed as he shared that he owns 15 pairs of dark wash denim jeans, which is his attire of choice, all neatly folded in his closet.
He has a newfound affinity for poker and hopes to play professionally.
Cooking and grilling is another favorite past time. He remains conscious of his commitment to maintaining a healthy eating lifestyle and chooses foods and cooking methods to support this change.
When asked which American muscle car, his favorite, he would buy if he could go to the dealership today, he clenched his chest and specifically said, “A champagne color, 1996 SS Impala with cream, or peanut butter leather interior.” He loves the bravado and grit of American muscle cars.
Written by Sheree Bynum
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Source:
Interview with Jasmin Williams: September 22, 2020
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Capri23auto’s Pixabay Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Wokandapix’s Pixabay Page – Creative Commons License