Jahmal Banks’ mother, Kristie Martin, had to make a difficult choice when they got evicted from their Maryland home. Jahmal, then a student at the private Landon School, was supposed to live with a selected family while Kristie sorted their living situation. Despite the promise of seeing him daily, Jahmal chose to stay with his mother, supporting her through her struggles. This decision stemmed from Kristie’s divorce from Jahmal’s stepfather, which left the family homeless. Despite encountering numerous adversities, including living in hotels and shelters, the mother of four pushed forward for the sake of her children.
Kristie Martin used the toughness from her difficult past to develop her personality. She lost her steady job to work at places that accommodated her displaced home’s kids’ schedules. During this challenging period, Kristie found strength in critical support from strangers, as well as her children’s positivity. Jahmal’s resilience and perseverance, growing as an academically and athletically inclined individual, further inspired his mother.
Jahmal made a significant impact as a new member of the Nebraska football team. The wide receiver led his peers in offseason community service hours, showing a willingness to help others. His coach, Matt Rhule, praised Jahmal’s commitment to facilitating positive change in the team. Jahmal carried this spirit into his everyday life, contributing in small ways such as buying food for strangers.
Jahmal found self-awareness and acceptance by focusing on his struggles. He developed an inner purpose to support his family and create an impact in the world. His mother’s hardships inspired him to grow as an individual, reflected in his actions on and off the football field. Jahmal’s experience at First Baptist Church in Northwest D.C. helped him cultivate a giving spirit that extended beyond his family.
Jahmal’s athletic journey saw him attain success on the football field. From playing lacrosse, basketball, and football in high school to receiving offers from Ivy League institutions, Jahmal excelled. Despite his mother’s hopes for him to attend Penn, Jahmal was attracted to more significant conference programs. Finding a compromise in attending Wake Forest, Jahmal later transferred to Nebraska.
The Banks family continued to persevere even as they dealt with their past. Jahmal used his experiences to inspire his creativity, releasing music that reflects his life journey. Despite the challenges faced, the family remains hopeful, focusing on helping others in need and working towards their individual dreams and goals. As they shared their story, they believe it serves as a testament of hope and resilience.
