The Interview: Jamar Joiner of Bridging The Gap Community Outreach
From Staff Reports
This month, The Paper visited with Jamar Joiner, Executive Director of Bridging The Gap Community Outreach, for its August Q&A.
Briefly describe yourself and what you do/did.
I’m Jamar Joiner, executive director of BTG Community Outreach. Originally from New Orleans, I’ve called Newnan home for the past 18 years. I lead a passionate team working to feed, serve, and restore our neighbors across Coweta County and surrounding areas. My days range from lifting food boxes and meeting with families to strategizing growth and engaging community partners — all in service of the mission to meet people where they are and walk with them toward stability.
Best piece of advice you’ve received.
“Don’t let anyone steal your joy.” Life will test you, but protecting your peace and joy is one of the most powerful things you can do.
If I had it to do over …
I would’ve believed in myself sooner and trusted that the space I was meant to lead in already had my name on it.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
Albums:
• The Best of Sam Cooke
• Escape – Journey
• Traveller – Chris Stapleton
Books:
• He Speaks to Me by Priscilla Shirer – a powerful reflection on hearing God’s voice
• D’Angelo’s Voodoo by Faith A. Pennick – an R&B deep dive that blends music and culture
• Empire of Sin by Gary Krist – a rich and raw look into the real New Orleans
Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
I enjoy baking — it’s therapeutic for me. There’s something peaceful about creating something from scratch and sharing it with the people I care about.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why.
• John Legend – for his creativity, advocacy, and perspective
• Sam Cooke – for his unmatched voice and the soul he brought to the civil rights movement
• C.S. Lewis – to explore deep topics of faith and humanity
• Langston Hughes – to hear him recite poetry and speak truth to power
• Frederick Douglass – for his courage, intellect, and ability to move nations with words
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
To build a multi-acre resource campus that offers food, housing assistance, mentorship, mental health care, and workforce development — all in one location. A place where families can truly rebuild.
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
Mentoring young men — coaching, guiding, and walking with them through life. That’s still a big part of my purpose.
Your go-to food.
Chinese takeout — give me sesame chicken, fried rice, and egg rolls and I’m good.
Favorite movie(s) …
The entire Fast & Furious series — but Fast Five is the ultimate favorite. It had the perfect mix of action, family, and legacy.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs — specifically American Bulldogs. Loyal, strong, and full of personality.
Your favorite quote and why…
“Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.” – Shirley Chisholm
It grounds me. We’re not here just to exist — we’re here to serve.
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
Stepping into leadership at BTG. It was a leap of faith that aligned with my purpose and gave me the chance to impact lives daily.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own.
You don’t have to prove your worth — just walk in it. Everything that feels like a delay is really just preparation. Keep showing up.
