Meet Jeweled Justice of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeweled Justice.

Hi Jeweled, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a first-generation African American college graduate from Herzing University with an Associate of Science degree. I am currently working on my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Business and Health and Human Services. I was raised in an urban environment, 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 youth, writing was a form of emotional release and expression, as 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 were the only ways I had to escape my reality. I would lose myself in the various multifaceted offerings of literature. Many of the books i escaped into and found identity, reflection, and led to my vernacular and critical thinking are now banned from today’s curriculum. I had the feeling that 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 did not share my writings with the public until middle school. I then I started reading for talent shows. This continued into high school performances for pep rallies. At the time, I was finding my voice and learning to use it for others as well as myself. It was during this time that one of the upper-level students (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, through working with my mentor and my own 33 years of life experience, to use my pen to advocate for and give voice to others. I chose to continue to learn how to be active in my community. To make changes and serve to improve my surroundings.
I served my country and community as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) for 3.5 years. While stationed with the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services Outreach department, I used my poetic prose to craft donor engagement letters that encouraged local businesses and organizations to donate time, services, or funding to benefit the youth and families served by Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services.
I am also a graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) Class 36, an organization that develops and sharpens the skills of community leaders. Since graduating from the NLI program, I have gon on to participate in the Inaugural cohort of the Cleveland chapter of Queens Village, a program to combat and raise awareness of maternal health risks and disparities in my community. The lessons I learned from these experiences still guide my commitment to contributing to my community’s upbringing. I still actively volunteer, assisting with planning, programming, and providing resources to advance health and development toward a better tomorrow. Other spaces where I have had the honor of working in the community include the Cleveland Votes More Than My Art program, the inaugural Creative Impact Network with Cleveland Votes, the Breakthrough Sounds Street Team, and serving at my local church, St. Luke United Holy Church.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a former foster and adoptive youth, it was not easy to navigate childhood into adulthood. I struggled with bullying, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse from some of the adults in my life. I have faced many challenges as a youth and adult, such as recovering from the previously mentioned abuse and the hardships of homelessness. I am aware that my Adverse Childhood Experiences Score (ACE) is greater than 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. This journey has not been easy, nor has the yoke been light; however, when I look back over my life and see the crossroads I have traveled, I am grateful for each time community and faith met me in the midst of my travels.

There were a 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 was in frequent attendance at my local recreation center, with Mr. Howard as the manager. He would put me to work during summer, spring, and winter breaks. Ms. Denise would tolerate my constantly being in the computer lab, so she taught me as much as she could. That stimulated my interest in technology and the 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, a partnership with Youth Technology Academy and Case Western Reserve.

While I currently struggle with balancing work, creativity, advocating for vulnerable communities and families, and being a mother to a daughter who is as multifaceted and multidimensional as she dares to dream. I can only be grateful to those who accepted and encouraged me to be the multidimensional person I have become. My life is a testament to not looking like what you have gone through. 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. I will hold the light to show others that the darkness does not always last.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe being a poet is not just performing or reading for yourself; you are also responsible for supporting others in the capacity you can provide service.

I write free verse poetry. I create images that incorporate literary devices, such as metaphor, alliteration, various rhyme schemes, and word connotation. Taking audiences on an auditory sensory experience that provokes critical thought. I engage the mind through the ears to create an emotional connection, curated with vivid imagery.

I am a multifaceted poet and creative supporter.

My writings span various 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 committed to healing through art and invite the community to join me on the road to transformation.

I am committed to producing poetic art that goes beyond meter and metaphor. Every poem is a cry, a call, or a commission. I use language intentionally to encourage, evoke, and inspire. I demonstrate that literary arts can be used to advocate for healing, inform, and impact the community.

I believe that poetry is a gift used to replenish the soul, restore the broken, encourage the artistic, and challenge the creative mind.

I am the product of my community wrapping around me as a youth. 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 my trials and tribulations.

My future goals in poetry are to publish a book of my writing to share my experiences with others and show that experiencing trauma does not define them.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you would like to contact me for bookings, collaboration, or support for the work I am currently doing, please follow me on Instagram @Jeweledgems_ or using my contact details below.

For pricing details please reach out via email jeweledjustice@jeweledgems.org

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/JeweledGems
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeweledgems_?xtok=ZTJyYWMzcW9mOWNp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNRrmmTrh/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jeweledjustice?si=sO32-2GfHC9ITFAY
• Other: https://www.threads.com/@jeweledgems_