Who is JB?

Pt. 1 Narrated by Narrator

JB is Jabari's most actively present alter ego.

As a youth, Jabari was attracted to nicknames and felt they were mostly given to someone based on some cool traits. Not only that, a young Jabari was fascinated with super heroes & villains. They had super powers so grand, they had to live a double life in order to keep a normal one.

Young Jabari knew he possessed super powers. Unsure of what exactly, he prepared anyway to embrace what would ultimately be a nickname.

What does JB stand for?

P1. 2 Narrated by JB

James Brown and Justin Bieber of course. Sometimes, I tell that to people because they're familiar names and it can open up the conversation more. It also clarifies it's J. BBBBBBBB ... not JD or T.

Sometimes, say some flagrant shit like "Just Bull'sh!tt!n," - depending on who my audience is. Most often, I like to go off the cusp and say random sh!t like "Juicy Boobs" (Yep! Just made that one up writing this) or "Jookin & Boppin, Jolly Bulge, Jupiters Butthole." I don't know but I do it to test and push myself somewhere new creatively. That, plus it brings me more amusement out of a redundant question.

The crazy thing is, "JB DOESN'T STAND FOR ANYTHING!"

So, how did the nickname JB come about?

Pt. 3 Narrated by Jabari

I am easily irritated by ignorance and redundancy. Early on, I noticed the common trend in constantly having my name mispronounced - "Juh - bry" or the one I loath hearing the most "Ja'-bah-rye" - or being asked about its origins "What kinda name is that" or "where that come from?"

I love my name but didn't feel the need to share it with everyone. I wanted something for the people I meet in passing. Something simple that allowed us to just get along.

Jump into my first season playing soccer. I'm like 7 years old. It's my first season and I'm actually pretty good. Definitely in the top tier of players on my team. I'm gaining some recognition, earning what I think are my stars and stripes. I remember one practice, my white coach in ear shot saying to the other "Ja-bah-ree? Is that how you say it?"

It wasn't the first time me hearing one of them trying to pronounce my name. I wondered "what is so hard about it? Juh-Bar-Ree!" (I don't know if that's websters breakdown but it's mine).

This was my first year living in a caucasian location. It wasn't just my coaches but practically every white person was simply incapable of not only getting it right on the first try but even a couple more in. Some would hear my name and look perplexed, astonished or intrigued. They always seemed surprised.

At some point, the coaches call a water break and the team comes together. The coaches start saying something then direct their attention to me. Halfway chuckling, the coaches ask "Hey, how you say yo name again? Ugh, you got a nickname actually? Can we call you a nickname?"

Was it a fair question or blatantly ignorant? Unsure whether or not to be offended, I knew the simplicity in the answer is what I was seeking. Something simple that could connect well with others but also be different, and standout.

Them: "JB. How ya like JB?"

Me: I'll take it."

Hence forth, on the field that season, I was "JB the Keeper." I would then take JB with me to classrooms, and writers rooms. JB helped me get into a couple bedrooms ... while other egos brewed in greenrooms ... and so many other places.

The story of JB and his Egos is to be continued!