Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Parms.
Hi Jamal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
It feels good to be back. This is actually a follow up to my story that I told about 5 years ago when I made my first Voyage Magazine appearance. Alot has happened that I would like to share.
During my first interview I had recently moved into my home that was a new construction of my own design, and I proudly boasted because it was built by a Black Owned Company called Jo-C Builders Inc. Since then, I have put my artistic talents to work and beautifully decorated my home in a style that I dubbed, ” Contemporary-Industrial-African-Farm House”. Most of the wall art I either created or enhanced, and the flow and vibe incorporate all of the aforementioned themes. My home as a blank canvas has really allowed me to express myself through art and design. Also, as a homeowner maintenance is key. Along the way I have developed a passion and appreciation for my lawn, landscape and plants. These speak to the world before one enters your doors and I believe here is where your initial statement should be made. It has truly been a blessing to take on such a project and reap the benefit of having a peaceful and esthetically pleasing sanctuary dwelling. And yes, I still spend plenty of time in the kitchen perfecting my skill as a home and fire department Chef.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With food comes health and fitness. To be honest I looked at some of my pictures from my first interview with Voyage and I was not happy with my appearance. As a result, I went on an 8-month fitness journey and lost 45 lbs. In a profession such as the fire service an optimal level of fitness is imperative to your success when duty calls. I met that challenge head on and won. Though there have been some fluctuations I have kept off most of the weight.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am still a Firefighter and completed 20 years of dedicated service this past March. I continue to maintain my license as an Registered Nurse but in an inactive status.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Some may not know that I have mentored several young people of years. Amongst them, recently, my younger cousin has decided to follow in my footsteps and embark on his journey to become a firefighter. He has had a fascination with fire service since early childhood and is now a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and I am so proud of him.
Speaking of the fire service, I was also a part of making history with my department by becoming the first in the nation to have a Black History Month Shirt as its official uniform during February in honor of Black History Month according to the African American Firefighters Historical Society. I designed and sold 6 different styled shirts over a 6-year period, and donated approximately $16,500.00 with the proceeds to local Black Organizations through the Professional Black Firefighter’s Association Inc.
In 2023 and 2024 I toured Europe and Africa respectively. Europe for 2.5 weeks visiting Spain, France and Italy, and I must say that it was a refreshing time. I was in Africa for over a month visiting Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Ghana and Egypt. As a Black Man that loves being a Black Person, I finally had the chance to visit HOME. Going to Africa was a lifelong dream of mine and is an experience that I will forever cherish.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Jamal1329
- Facebook: Primo Parmesano
