Spoken Word Interviews with Angela Jellison of Boston Write Out Loud
Oct 30, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Spiritual Life, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
From Left to Right, Dl Davis, Spoken Word, EMichele Paul, Angela Žunić Poetic Works Event-Oceanside, CA
Angela Jellison
Is being a writer an occupation or definite lifestyle for you? How so?
Spoken Word
I consider my ability to write a gift from God. The desire to write has stuck with me throughout my entire life. I find writing to be more of a lifestyle because it’s something I’ve always done and like doing. I have a big imagination that gives me a passionate desire to create new things. As I’ve matured through life experiences, God has found a way to reach me as well as others through the gift that he birthed inside of me long ago.
Angela Jellison
When did you first become fully conscious or aware that you were a writer? What were your early perceptions of being a writer and how did race or gender play into your perception?
Spoken Word
I never defined myself as a writer growing up. I always considered myself a Poet or Emcee. It wasn’t until I was about 18 years old when I begin to write Screenplays and Stage Plays that I considered myself a writer. Race and Gender didn’t play a major role in my life when I first perceived I was a writer. I was not culturally aware of who I was because the only education I received about Black history was during black history month. It wasn’t until I was around twenty years old when I became fully aware that racism was still alive and I was a victim of it. I learned a lot through life experiences about being a black woman in America. Today I believe that God gave me the gift to rebuild, rebuke and encourage those that need to be encouraged; also to educate in areas such as cultural awareness, spirituality, health and mental well being.
Angela Jellison
How do you define Creative Survival?
Spoken Word
Hmm…, that’s a tuff one;
Creative Survival-Being able to produce creatively through hardship, perseverance, negativity, and endurance without letting any of the above have a negative impact on the gift itself.
Angela Jellison
Do you apply this idea of creative survival to the reception and viability of your work within, or outside of the mainstream media? In other words, how do you resist dismantling or the complicated politics of large publishing houses? (by politics I am referring to what black women writers are “expected” to write-how do you resist the editorial revision of your voice)
Spoken Word
I do apply the definition of creative survival to the quality and viability of my work within and outside the mainstream media. It is hard being a black female writer, especially in a world where black women are defined as being weak and materialistic. I believe in order to change how we are defined we must first change the visual image that is promoted through mainstream media. A woman must know what makes them beautiful. It’s not the outer appearance, but what’s inside that counts. If a woman truly identifies with herself, mainstream media would not be able to control the way she wishes to be perceived. Too many female writers neglect to find their own voices out of fear they will be not be heard; afraid to be anything outside of what sells. Some even consider themselves the product because that’s what they’ve been taught by Corporate America. That’s why it’s important to know your history. Black Slaves were considered a product for sale in Corporate America during those times. Until we come to the realization that we are individuals that produce a product that can be sold, the image of us as black women will remain the same. Understanding who I am and what I was purposed to do, gives me the motivation and determination to stand firm in what I believe. And it also gives me a visual image on how I wish to be perceived as a writer and Poet. I’ve become immune to rejection from those that do not wish to display the stronger image of a black woman. My voice has been overridden by those that refuse to understand or accept my history. I have been criticized by those who think I’m not traditionally spiritual enough, and those who feel I should create a more commercial sound. I have been abandoned by those who feel the need to be heard through my voice. So I call myself Spoken Word because it is through the Spoken Word of God that I am able to succeed.
Angela Jellison
What authors’ lives/experiences have encouraged or discouraged you? Do you have a mirror self? In other words, do you find yourself and or your work reflected in the experiences of authors such as Audre Lorde, Jun Jordan, Mayo Angelou, Alice Walker, etc.
Spoken Word
Sojourner Truth is one of the first black female poets I remember reading about. I remember her vividly because I was her in a high school presentation during Black History month. I performed, “Ain’t I a Woman”; a poem that was delivered by her in 1851 at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio. There were a lot of things I did not understand back then. You never understand a woman until you become one. Now I can stand tall and ask the world, “Ain’t I a Woman?”
I can walk as much and talk as much as a man when I can get to it, and bear the lash as well.
Sojourner Truth 1851
My art is a reflection of poets such as Sojourner Truth, Audre Lorde, June Jordan, Alice Walker, and Mayo Angelou. They all know and knew the worth of a black woman. Not just because they are black women, but because they sought to understand their purpose here in this world as black women through their own individual experiences.
I compare myself to Audre Lorde because I too identify issues of class, race, age, gender and health through my work. In comparison to June Jordan, the racial turmoil of America set my path to social activism. My most shaping experiences came through child and adolescence just as Alice Walker. I’ve absorbed the unshakable faith and values of traditional African American family community just like Mayo Angelou.
My reflection of Mayo Angelou tells me that “I am a women phenomenally; a phenomenal woman, that’s me!”
Angela Jellison
What positions or jobs have you maintained to support your work? How has this contributed or subtracted from your identity as a writer? Do you think working an outside job to support your work is distracting or able to balance this divide? How so?
Spoken Word
I’ve worked in Law and Government. Working under educated middle class and first class people has given me a deeper understanding of the human experience overall. I’ve learned whether rich or poor, young or old, black or white, ignorance can be found on all levels of life. Honestly working under government officials has been a more positive experience than the racial discrimination I experienced working with attorneys at law a few years before. It was through the totality of that experience that opened my eyes to the deprivation of civil rights in the state of Virginia. Through that job, I discovered who I am as a black woman, and how strong I am, as well as those before me. It provoked me to learn more about my history, and exposed the ignorance of some of those within our own race who claim to fight for civil rights in the African American Community, but really don’t. I believe the real Civil Rights fight died along with some of the strongest Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King and W.E.B. Dubois. Nowadays we just stone each other to death which means Willie Lynch’s method worked. We were trained from slaves to always fight one another and only trust outside cultures. History is deep and only repeats itself. It is up to us to break those chains in our own culture.
The work I do is not distracting at all to me. I work in a quiet area that allows me the time to really think. As a Writer, it is important to think, learn, and study more; especially if you intend to be a great writer. You have to know the world that surrounds you while being able to discern the good from the bad. I was watching T.D. Jake’s movie, “Women Thou Art Loosed!”, and there was a scene where he was ministering to a young lady behind bars. T. D. Jakes told her, “We give the devil too much credit.” Her response was, “no, we just under estimate him.”
Angela Jellison
Are you the first writer in your family or are you from a generation of writers? How have your family and friends received supported/negated your choices?
As a child, I watched my mother write short stories. My mother was deprived of an education to help care for her nine brothers and sisters. Because of that, she was not able to fulfill her dream as a writer. My dad writes music as well. He was in a band when we were much younger. My mother supports me fully. Although she was unable to fulfill her dreams, she still writes and encourages me to do the same. According to my mother, “you should never give up on your dreams.” Life is hard yet survivable.” Through hardships and trials, I find that to be true.
Write Out Loud Boston
Joyce Angela Jellison
Founder/Director/Workshop Facilitator
http://writeoutloud.yolasite.com/
www.reverbnation.com/spokenword1
Tags: activist, composer, education, encouragement, giving back, Harmony, independent, justice, motivation, Old School, poet, polictical, preformer, smooth, Soulful, Talent, Uplifting
HotLanta
Oct 22, 2010 Beyond The Music, Legends, Stars with a Pen, Today's Stars
The week of October 11 saw me in the wonderful city of Atlanta. I always love to visit Atlanta but this was a special trip. Not only did I get I spend time with extended Family.
I got to hang out with Glenn Gordon, Jimmy Brown, Reggie Hargis and Micheal Stewart. I didn’t get to spend as much time with them as I would have liked but I got some great pictures that I will share here.
I saw Glenn briefly but he was busy doing his thing on a gig, we were supposed to hang out a bit before I left, but it didn’t happen.
I spent some time with Jimmy and Reggie at Reggie’s home. We discussed their past as well as what they’re doing now. Reggie has a couple of CD out right now, which will be played on WDGP starting this week. Jimmy expects to have his next CD out in the Spring and you know you’re hear it on WDGP first.
I met Reggie’s Mother and the Guys shared a lot of their Memorabilia with me.
Of course, I had to meet with Michael Stewart, I just missed Neysa but she’ll be my Guest on Conversations on the 30th of October.
Michael hopes to start a Tour soon and I can’t wait for them to get to the DC area. There is also a possibility that he and Neysa will do a duet CD,
now that’s exciting and I can’t wait. You can check out Neysa and Micheal’s Latest Video Deep In Love to see why I’m excited about this.
These are the highlights and all in all it was a good time. Thanks to my sister Doreen for rolling with me.
Tags: arranger, Atlanta.Georgia, composer, funk, happy, Harmony, independent record label, musician, Old School, preformer, producer, RnB, singer, songwriter, Soulful, Talent, Travel, Vocalist
Robert Larrabee
Oct 21, 2010 Beyond The Music, Today's Stars
On October 16, 2010, I had the pleasure of visit from Mr Robert Larrabee. He has been compared to Tony Bennett and I think that’s a great comparison.
He takes it a step further with his original lyrics and catchy rhythms. You can expect to hear more of him on WDGP.
Check the interview:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Here is his latest video offering:
Robert is also a comedian that does great impressions.
Visit his website for more information about Robert Larrabee and booking information
Tags: arranger, comedian, composer, impressionist, Jazz, music, preformer, singer, Vocalist
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Oct 15, 2010 For Your Health
October 2010
This is the 25th year National Brest Cancer Awareness Month, that’s 25 years of Awareness, Education and Empowerment.
I believe that most of us know now that early detection is the key to successfully curing this disease which includes monthly self-breast examinations, mammograms every 1 – 2 years from ages 40 – 49 and annually from age 50 and regular visits with your healthcare professional.
In the November 17 2009 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) updates its recommendations on screening for breast cancer in the general population (see www.annals.org), including the following:
* The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years. The decision to start regular, biennial screening mammography before the age of 50 years should be an individual one and take patient context into account, including the patient’s values regarding specific benefits and harms. (grade C recommendation)
* The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening mammography for women aged 50 to 74 years. (grade B recommendation)
* The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against teaching breast self-examination (BSE). (grade D recommendation)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, however, currently continues to recommend the following services:
* Screening mammography every 1-2 years for women aged 40-49 years
* Screening mammography every year for women age 50 or older
* BSE; BSE has the potential to detect palpable breast cancer and can be recommended.
The College is continuing to evaluate in detail the new USPSTF recommendations and the new evidence considered by the USPSTF. Any changes to College guidance will be published in its journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.
National Cancer Institute appreciates the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s careful review and analysis of the evidence regarding breast cancer screening for women at average risk. The take-away message is that each woman needs to consider her individual benefits and risks and discuss them with her health care provider before making a decision on when to start screening mammography and how often to get one. The Task Force report concludes that screening mammography remains an important, effective tool for early detection of breast cancer. It also indicates, however, that the evidence of benefit might vary, according to age and individual risk factors.
NCI has had screening mammography recommendations for many years, and we need to evaluate them in light of the Task Force’s recommendations — for all women, not only for those of average risk. It’s too early for us to make any decisions right now. NCI’s primary role as a biomedical research agency is to generate scientific knowledge that can be used by the Task Force and other organizations in their deliberations and recommendations. Today’s report reflects the fact that more questions need to be answered, and that will be NCI’s central focus going forward.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s leading breast cancer advocacy organization, has carefully reviewed the data and new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concerning mammography screening. Komen for the Cure issued the following statement today from Eric P. Winer, M.D., chief scientific adviser and chair of Komen’s Scientific Advisory Board.
Mammograms
“Susan G. Komen for the Cure wants to eliminate any impediments to regular mammography screening for women age 40 and older. While there is no question that mammograms save lives for women over 50 and women 40–49, there is enough uncertainty about the age at which mammography should begin and the frequency of screening that we would not want to see a change in policy for screening mammography at this time.” Komen’s current screening guidelines can be found at www.komen.org.
Our real focus, however, should be on the fact that one-third of the women who qualify for screening under today’s guidelines are not being screened due to lack of access, education or awareness. That issue needs focus and attention: if we can make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we could make more progress in the fight against breast cancer.
For African-American women this is particularly urgent, because too few African-American women are getting annual mammograms and breast screenings under the rules that exist today. Additionally, with the African American population facing diagnosis at younger ages, getting screened early is critical.
Mammography is not perfect, but is still our best tool for early detection and successful treatment of this disease. New screening approaches and more individualized recommendations for breast cancer screening are urgently needed. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is currently funding research initiatives designed to improve screening, and we believe that it is imperative that this research move forward rapidly. Komen also provides funding for education, awareness and screening programs in more than 1,900 communities.
We encourage women to be aware of their breast health, understand their risks, and continue to follow existing recommendations for routine screenings including mammography beginning at age 40.”
Here are some websites you can visit for more and updated information:
Annals of Internal Medicine - http://www.annals.org
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – http://www.nbcam.org
National Cancer Institute – http://www.cancer.gov
The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – http://www.acog.org
Susan B Komen for the Cure – http://ww5.komen.org
Tags: cancer, education, health, NCI, prevention, recommendation
