Meet Jermaine Williams

Redefining Recovery

Jermaine J. Williams is a multi-talented individual whose journey through adversity has shaped him into a powerful voice for recovery and change. He first rose to prominence as a member of the regional rap group Foul Play, captivating audiences with his lyrical talent and dynamic stage presence. Alongside his musical success, Jermaine ventured into the world of literature, authoring the fiction novel My Brother, The Devil, & Me, which reflected his creativity and storytelling skills.

Jermaine channeled his experience into the award-winning documentary I Had To Change, a deeply personal and moving portrayal of his journey from addiction to sobriety. The film received critical acclaim, earning multiple awards including Best First Time Director at the Believe Psychology Film Festival, Best Documentary - Social Issue at the Bare Bones Music & Documentary Film Festival, and Best Documentary Feature - Jury Award at the International Black & Diversity Film Festival.

Now sober for over eight years, Jermaine continues his work as a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and Crisis Specialist, where he provides vital support to those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. His roles have expanded beyond recovery into the realm of mental health advocacy, establishing him as a respected Activist, Advocate, and Public Speaker. His insights and expertise on addiction, recovery, and mental health have positioned him as a trusted voice in these fields.

Most recently, Jermaine wrote and executive produced the pilot episode of It’s Clinical, a groundbreaking project that has gained widespread recognition and praise. The film was recently selected by the Mental Health Filmness Film Festival in Chicago, marking another significant achievement in his filmmaking career. With this project, Jermaine continues to highlight critical issues related to mental health, using his platform to inspire and educate.

Through his work as an Author, Filmmaker, and Mental Health Professional, Jermaine J. Williams remains dedicated to making a lasting impact. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and unwavering commitment to helping others, and he continues to use his diverse talents to shine a light on addiction and mental health recovery.

Coming Home

At his core, Jermaine J. Williams is a devoted father, a loving son, and a man shaped by both the challenges and opportunities that life has presented. Born and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Jermaine’s early years were deeply influenced by the community around him and the strong values instilled by his family. His journey, however, took a pivotal turn when he relocated to Jacksonville, a city that would become the backdrop for much of his personal and professional growth.

In Jacksonville, Jermaine found himself not only discovering new career paths but also uncovering the strength within himself to confront life’s biggest battles. His time there gave him the space he needed to reflect and rebuild, away from the struggles that had defined much of his life in Pensacola. It was in Jacksonville where he cultivated resilience and embraced his purpose, using his personal challenges as a foundation for helping others. This period of growth extended far beyond professional success—it was about reclaiming his life and determining how he could make a lasting impact on the world around him.

With renewed clarity, Jermaine made the decision to return to Pensacola, the place where he had fought his hardest battles with addiction. Coming back home was more than just a return to his roots; it was a commitment to give back to the community that had shaped him, but also tested him. Now, Jermaine is determined to pour his newfound strength, wisdom, and purpose into uplifting the city that made him. He is focused on helping others who are walking similar paths, offering guidance, support, and hope to those who are struggling, just as he once was.

Today, Jermaine is more than a public figure—he’s a beacon of resilience and growth for Pensacola. As a father, he passes on the lessons he’s learned to his son, while as a son himself, he remains close to the family that has supported him. His return to Pensacola marks the next chapter in his story, one where he is committed to making a difference in the lives of others and contributing to the strength and vibrancy of his hometown.