Friend Encounters: Karyn Parsons and Jerry

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who met celebrities.

Once again I feature a friend from the convention world. He isn't anyone from conventions. He was the PR guy for Wizard World conventions. He facilitated so many of my interviews, including on with Karyn Parsons, with whom he is pictured here. That interview is at On the Beat with Karyn Parsons.

FanExpo bought Wizard World, but Jerry is still involved. Unfortunately, I don't see him as often, but when I do, it is always fun.

Jerry is a great guy. He connected me with so many great celebs in addition to Parsons and they all were extremely nice. You can tell they all respected Jerry.

I don't know exactly when I met Jerry, but I am guessing 15 or so years ago. Over the years, our friendship grew (probably out of me always bugging him for another celebrity). Jerry always came through when he could though. If the celeb was doing interviews, Jerry got me connected. I greatly appreciate all he did for me.

Parsons was one of the sweetest folks I interviewed. I must add, she was beautiful in person. My interview is one of those that gave me that surreal feeling. I remember her from Fresh Prince and here I was talking to her as a legit member of the media. Life s funny.

Karyn Parsons and Jerry in Rosemont, IL-March 2015.

On the Beat with Karyn Parsons at Wizard World Fan Fest 2015

Our continuing recapping coverage of the Wizard World Fan Fest brings us to Karyn Parsons, former young co-star on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.  This instantly became one of my favorite interviews.

Parsons was one of the many celebrity guests at the Fan Fest.  Despite having a consistent line of fans waiting to meet her, Parsons took a few minutes to give an interview to Johngy's Beat.

Parsons played Hilary Banks on the beloved sitcom.  Since then, she has married and raised a family.  She states that she is not retired from acting.  Perhaps we can all hope to see her working again in the future, but she didn't have anything in the works right now.  Still, that door appears to be open.

She is also the founder and President of Sweet Blackberry., an organization with the mission to "bring little known stories of African American achievement to children everywhere."  Her goal was to share stories of American history and culture.  The first two films were entertaining and inspiring accounts of the lives of Henry "Box" Brown and Garrett Morgan, two important figures in American history.  This isn't just for African Americans.  It is for all Americans to know.

A third films is in the works.  Sweet Blackberry will continue to teach and reach children of all color.

It was a real honor and pleasure meeting Parsons.  Her commitment to her family and to the youth of America is heart-warming.  If that wasn't enough, Parsons was an absolute dear when I met her.  This was one of the highlights of my years of covering these events.

We very much appreciate Parsons for her time and consideration.  We also appreciate the staff at Wizard World for making this happen.