Conversations with Jeweled Justice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeweled Justice

Hi Jeweled, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a first-generation African American college graduate of Herzing University with an Associate of Science who was raised in an urban environment. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and have been a Cleveland, Ohio, resident since I was placed in my third foster home at age 11 and adopted at 14. 

As a novice poet who started writing as a form of emotional release and expression, I was not allowed much of a voice in my childhood. I was raised in an environment that believed children should be seen and not heard. Writing and reading was the only way I had to escape my reality. I would lose myself in the various multifaceted offerings of literature. My teachers did not always agree with my loose interpretation of literature, especially my English teachers. However, they did allow me to entertain and cultivate my interests. In doing so, I survived and, in some ways, managed to thrive despite how bleak I was informed my future would be.

I started performing my writings in public during middle school for talent shows, then high school for the pep rallies. At the time, I was finding my voice and learning to use it for others and myself. It was during this time that one of the upperclassmen (Avery Swanson) saw me and pulled me to the side. He wanted to introduce me to the woman who would become a dear mentor, Ms. Honey Bell-Bey.

I have learned from working with my mentor and my life experiences to use my pen to advocate and give voice to others. I chose to learn how to be active in my community. To make changes and be of service to improve upon my surroundings.
 I served my country and community as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America). While stationed with the Cuyahoga Country Health and Human Services Outreach department, I used my poetic prose to craft donor engagement letters that resulted in local businesses and organizations donating time, services, or funding to benefit the youth and families involved with Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services.
It assisted in providing back-to-school supplies, gifts for Easter, the holiday season, a safe place for trick or treating, and holiday meals. I am also a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Institute Class 36, an organization that develops and sharpens the skills of community leaders. The lessons I learned from these experiences still guide how I am committed to contributing to the upbringing of my community. I still actively volunteer and assist in planning programming or providing resources to help further the health and development of a better tomorrow.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As a former foster and adoptive youth, it was not easy to navigate childhood into adulthood. I struggled with bullying and mental and emotional abuse from some of the adults in my life. I know my Adverse Childhood Experiences Score (ACE) is above 8. That statistically puts me in an at-risk mental health category, but due to my faith, art, and community, I have beaten the odds stacked against me.

I struggle with balancing work, creativity, and advocating for vulnerable communities and families while being a mother to a daughter who is as multifaceted and multidimensional as she dares to dream.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a multifaceted poet and creative supporter. I frequent the extensive open mic scene Cleveland and North-East Ohio offer, performing, networking, and supporting other artists. Platforms I often visit and perform at include Poetry Unplugged, People Love Poetry, House of Creative Artists, The People Poetry Slam, Lift Every Voice, Soulfully Spoken, Lyrical Rhythms, and Temple of Passions. Outside of Cleveland, I have performed at Versified Expressions and Angry Cow Poetry, located in Akron, and virtually for Voices in Power, located in Philadelphia. A few organizations that have solicited me to perform are Loud House Vibes, Black Voters Matter, the Creative Healing Foundation, Creative Meetups, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services, The Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services, United Holy Church Inc. and the Cleveland chapter of Words of Art 313.
My writings span various subjects, topics, and inspirations. I speak about love, lost and gained, social injustices, and the need for collaboration and unity. My religious beliefs also influence my work. I am known for using writing to process and express the emotions and lessons I am learning on this journey called life.  I allow transparent vulnerability to encourage others to be true to themselves. I am currently working on self-awareness and pivoting from a reactive trauma-induced state. I commit to healing through art and invite the community to join me on the road to transformation. I am committed to producing poetic art beyond meter, metaphor, and word connotations. The poetry goes beyond rhyme and rhythm. The words tell a story that invites others to tell theirs. Every poem is a cry, a call, or a commission to heal, transform, and stand for change in self, the home, and the community. I showcase my commitment to the community with my active engagement. I am currently collaborating with the Cuyahoga County Poet Laureate, Honey Bell-Bey, on the POET(Power Over Emotional Trauma) project, which was recently published.
My future goals in poetry would be to publish a book of my writings to share my experiences with others so that they know that experiencing trauma does not define them. It is a choice to identify as a victim or a person who has survived a traumatic event. Whatever choice is made, there is space for you to heal and grow.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
There were few places I could go for solace. However, I would still manage to find an oasis in the sands of life. One place was the home of a retired school teacher and family elder, Ms.Marlene Land. I frequently attended my local recreation center with Mr.Howard as the manager. He would put me to work on summer, spring, and winter breaks. Ms. Denise would tolerate my constantly being in the computer lab, so she taught me as much as she had access to. That stimulated my interest in technology and sciences. She was also the center’s field trip coordinator. The places I got to visit were the 4H club and Youth Outdoors with Greg Yost. I remember camping at Hiram house, Teens 2 Homes Camp at Bellfaire JCB, and the Tech camp that was a partnership with Youth Technology Academy and CaseWestern Reserve.
As I contemplate this answer and attempt to keep it brief, I can only be grateful to those who accepted and encouraged me to be the multidimensional person I have become. I am who I am because of God’s grace in my life and the community I was allowed to encounter despite the trials and tribulations I have endured.

Pricing:

• Contact for booking details.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeweledjustice?igsh=MWprdGFpdnNidnY3Nw==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jeweledjustice?si=MB0ODZh3LF5yHQRb
• Other: https://linktr.ee/JeweledJustice?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYXmX0lHNfBD3vz2PNypVJOYqfXXF6ezIPgRys-3zELnN1-a7tyDhSI8tQ_aem_fjhcRHN_Z3U8ixFzAVNOnA