Jimar Wilson is vice president and Southern California market leader at Enterprise Community Partners, a national affordable housing nonprofit. Before participating in “What Will It Take to End Homelessness in L.A.?,” a Zócalo/United Way event co-presented with the Committee for Greater Los Angeles, he sat down in our green room to talk about his laid-back style, his love of Spike Lee movies, and how his mouth helped him get into trouble as a kid.
If you could be any animal, what would you be?
I’d want to be a fish to see what life is like down there and be able to report back.
What do you wake up to?
I’m in a new place, and I don’t have the best curtains. I wake up to sunshine, and normally, to some calm sleep music.
How did you get into trouble as a kid?
As the shortest person amongst my crew, I probably got into trouble with my mouth. I had some big friends and some muscle around, so I used that as a cover. People had my back so I felt compelled to pop off more than I needed to.
How do you procrastinate?
You mean other than the Wikipedia rabbit hole? Probably just by watching too much ESPN.
Who do you root for?
I am a diehard Lakers fan and a Dodgers fan, and when it comes to football even though my Raiders have left for Vegas, they’re still my team.
How would you describe your style?
Really easy-going. I can have some high energy when needed, but for the most part pretty relaxed and go with the flow.
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
What stands out is my first bike. I think I might’ve been 6 years old, and my dad, who wasn’t terribly active in my life, showed up one Christmas in the big rig he was driving and surprised me with a bike that had been on my Christmas list that I didn’t think I would get.
What movie are you most likely to quote?
Probably either Malcolm X or Do the Right Thing—some Spike Lee movie.
What was the last thing that inspired you?
Probably the senatorial races in Georgia, and just the way that Georgians were mobilized with the help of Stacey Abrams and others. It was very inspiring to see that change could happen with the right level of focus.
What’s your favorite thing about Los Angeles?
Hands down the weather. I can always count on the weather being top tier. Puts me in a good mood.