On Poetry...
POETRY
© 2018, J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford
The soul of humanity
speaks through poetry.
Eternal and unending,
she sings of generations
past and yet born.
We hear her song clearest
when we listen with our hearts.
What is Poetry saying to you?
SISTAH JOY APPOINTED FIRST POET LAUREATE OF PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MARYLAND
On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, the Prince George's County Council voted unanimously to establish The Prince George's County Office of The Poet Laureate. It is with great pride and humility that I announce my appointment as Prince George's County Poet Laureate for a 3 year term. The Office of the Poet Laureate operates under the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council and is tasked to bring greater awareness, appreciation and support for poetry while serving the poetry community and the community at large through the literary arts.
“I look forward to working to provide opportunities for poets, from beginner to established poet, and to helping ensure we establish a solid foundation for poetry throughout the county. I also look forward to building bridges between generations and cultures as well as between the poetry community and those for whom poets speak. Helping to create an enhanced poetry experience in Prince George’s County is an incredible opportunity, privilege and responsibility; one that I’m excited to work toward over the next three years.”
- Prince George’s County Poet Laureate, J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
MEDIA ANNOUNCEMENTS
Prince George's Suite Magazine:
County Adds To Cultural Evolution With The Opening Of The Office Of The Poet Laureate http://www.pgsuite.com/culture-arts/2018/9/28/word-up *This graphic appeared in the Summer 2018 print issue of Prince George's Suite Magazine, an award-winning lifestyle publication that publishes four times per year. The magazine reaches nearly 30,000 readers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Prince George's Suite Magazine: Article about Poet Laureate activities in Prince George's County http://www.pgsuite.com/culture-arts/2019/3/1/get-the-word
Port of Harlem Magazine: Sistah Joy, Prince George’s First Poet Laureate, Has Creative Plans
http://portofharlem.net/snippets19/jan162019-sistah-alford.html
What'sUp Magazine
Sistah Joy is one of six significant African-American writers in Maryland profiled by What's Up Magazine in its article, Voices That Sing. Cited as one of "several dynamic African-American literary heroes that call Maryland home," Sistah Joy's profile and photo appear on p. 120 of the December 2020 issue of the magazine. An overview of the expansive article begins on p. 119.
___________________________________________________
To find information about Sistah Joy's work as Poet Laureate of Prince George's County, visit the Poet Laureate webpages on the PGAHC website: www.pgahc.org/Poet-Laureate.
__________________________________________________
POETRY OFFERS EMPOWERMENT, HEALING, CONNECTION AND OPPORTUNITY. For me, poetry opened a door...
Early in life I felt ill-equipped to grapple with the realities that life handed me, let alone express my views or feelings about the direction my life had taken. I would later find that poetry offered empowerment, healing, connection and opportunity. For me, poetry opened a door. This door opened wider with each poem I wrote. It would become a portal to places more peaceful, meaningful and rewarding than those my life, to date, had required me to travel. I decided to write poetry that inspires, empowers and engages readers of all ages. Beyond writing poetry, I discovered that presenting, reading and performing my poetry best enabled me to bring others to these wondrous and enlightening places as well. I came to understand that poetry could offer a way to both express my views, concerns and questions, and also allow me to invite others to do the same.
Poetry addresses a need, yes, in the poet, but more significantly, in society as a whole. Through poetry we document -- whether to celebrate or lament the past; herald or anticipate the future; or express realities of the day. Poetry gives voice to the soul, and in doing so, can build bridges over obstacles and between cultural, political and generational chasms. It can bring peace by creating understanding, awareness and insight. Ultimately, poetry allows spirits to take flight and soar. Whether through bookings, live presentation of poetry or books, poetry allows our story, the poet's truth, to be told. I believe this is a good and necessary thing.
THE UNWELCOMED VISITOR
*(This poem is offered in support of the Poetry X Hunger
anti-hunger and food insecurity campaign.)
© July 1, 2022, J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
He paid me a visit again today.
Didn’t knock on the door
Or ring the bell--
Just came right in.
Made himself right at home.
I tried to extend the courtesy of politeness
Despite his rude rumbling sounds.
Asked if he had someplace else he needed to be.
Surely he could see from my fine table setting
I had plans, was expecting guests.
But he, who had no use for such niceties
Reached up, snatched my delicate doilies
And linen napkins right off the table.
Threw my fine china to the floor
Then reached deep inside me
Grabbed and twisted my gut
Filling me with such searing anguish and pain
That no living soul should ever come to know.
So here I sit on the floor
Between shards of shattered plates
Empty cabinets and a refrigerator
That once overflowed with bounty.
Tears stream down my face
As I try to comprehend
How this has become my reality.
"TO HEAL A WOUNDED WORLD"
(Inaugural Poem for the new decade)
© January 4, 2020, J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
(With thanks to poet, educator and author, Joseph Ross, for his 2019 essay, “A Wounded World,” which inspired this poem)
My tears are not enough
Nor even my prayers
My compassion runs deep
Still, this is insufficient
In the face of realities that
Stifle, strangle and kill
I ask my God
To guide and empower me
To act in soul enriching
Esteem affirming, consequential
Ways that alter the status quo
To ignite in me a righteous will
That indignantly shames injustice,
Is contagious, and by its
Very existence
Challenges bigotry
Maniacal tyranny, self-
Aggrandizement and hate
All of which run rampant
On this planet and
Too often, in this nation
I lift my voice against them
Not softly or with plea
But with rancor and rage
For I too am afflicted
By the influences…
The swill that swirls about me
I too am made jaded
By existing in this
Degraded humanity
Which is our world
Yet I still stand in resistance
Still lift my voice, wave my flag
Still deny and defy
The scourge that oppresses
That would annihilate all
Who are unlike them
My strength may seem
Insufficient in the face of
Such huge opposition
But still I come
My voice may seem a whisper to some
But I persist, still sing my
Best song of Love
My words are victorious and yes,
Contagious, for they are words of life
They come from a soul
Connected to a source
Greater than any from dungeon or abyss
They radiate with light and power
Showering down an unstoppable rain
That brings to life all it touches
These are my words
My song of life
I share them freely
Powerfully, with all who seek
Strength to save and set free
They grow even amid these
Days of doom and gloom
Watch my words bloom
Catch hold of their fragrance
As they blossom into bouquets
They have a power all their own
But as amazing as they are
Their power is not fully unleashed
Until they join with yours
It is then that they
Become undefeatable
Shifting paradigms and axes
Awakening and changing
Hearts, minds and conscience
To heal a wounded world
SUNSHINE
© J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
I see sunshine
Even here, where rivers drown dreams
And life screams from beneath her silencing tide
Here, where the shadow of death
Seems to have eclipsed
The very soul of hope
I still see sunshine
Despite pain and devastation
Riding rampant across the land
Like waves that crest during raging storms
Life will erupt with fiercest fury –
With the resilience of Job
And conquer her greatest foe
For just as hope is nowhere more needed
Than during our greatest plight
Nowhere does light shine brighter
Than during the darkest night
Yes, I see sunshine
Where hopelessness once held us captive
Where life seemed left to float
Among yesterday’s debris
So like flowers that bloom in radiant hues
And rainbows that still follow the storm
Like babies born who know not of gloom
And larks that sing their songs anew each morn
I know there is a brighter tomorrow
For faith not fear is the path that I follow
Christ defeated death to save mankind
So yes, there will be sunshine
WHAT TIME IT IS / COVID-19
© 3/22/2020, J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
These times seem unreal
Yet this is what time it is
No time for hand-wringing
It's hand-washing that saves lives
Yes, God has a plan
And cleanliness is next to Godliness
In the face of Coronavirus-19
We’re used to having what we want
Going where we want
With whomever we want
Doing what we want just because
Now everything’s on pause
While we wait, we wash our hands
Exposure, infection, fatalities
Continue to soar
Increased local, national and global
COVID-19 cases confirmed
As CDC, WHO and NIH search for vaccines
We check their websites daily
Tune in to CNN and MSNBC
For continuous coronavirus coverage
Searching for updates, see what they say
No longer laughing at those who pray
With hushed but not silent voices we wash our hands
The search is on for test kits, masks, hand-sanitizer
We pray that we, our families, hospitals and caregivers
Stay coronavirus free
Our language has changed
Social distancing, personal protective equipment
Self-quarantine, shelter-in-place
We struggle to maintain
Six-foot separation in public
Home-schooling our youth
Even attend virtual church services
And like Pilate, we wash our hands
Amid isolation, depression, fear
And other health-based realities of this pandemic
The economic fallout grows daily
As we await trillion dollar rescue plans
We are ever reminded that
Like the handshakes of yesterday
Coronavirus seals the deal
If we don’t each do our part
So we wash our hands and pray
This is what time it is
QUEEN
© by J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
When the world echoes sounds that would keep us down
Poetry sends back refrains that say
Let me lift you
Let me give you insight to light your way
Unravel mysteries
Cope with life's inconsistencies
Comprehend that uncertainty paves the road we all travel
Let me share ancestors' truths
With youth and elder alike--
Share with true seekers answers that empower
Let not the fear of this hour
Rob the world this cherished light
Or deny tomorrow it's victory
This is the charge of poetry
For this she shall ever reign supreme
As Queen!
The following poem,"The Discovery of Connectedness," was inspired by my participation in multi-discipline workshop conducted by classical musician/conductor Daniel Bernard Roumain at the U. of MD's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The issues of relationship and connection, both cultural and generational, were significant in the musically-oriented collaborations.
THE DISCOVERY OF CONNECTEDNESS
© by J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford
When we see ourselves
as but a mere, yet mandatory, speck
traversing the conduit called time
we appreciate the necessity and beauty of destiny.
We begin to comprehend
the need for purpose and direction.
Uniquely created, we each somehow complete
the montage of the universe.
Such awareness can, ...perhaps, entice us
to dance more rhythmically,
whether to the symphonic melody of Opera,
the syncopated rhythm of Jazz
or the pulse-driven beat of Hip-hop
To dance is the thing!
Ever learning new steps--
ever bending, stretching, reaching
at once forward, but also embracing
the offerings of ancestors,
valuing each signature-driven step
dancing toward the discovery of connectedness
required to complete the masterpiece.
Enriching Our Community
"Let Freedom Ring"
I am proud to be among the citizens of Prince George's County that see themselves as change agents, working to advance the cause of freedom, equality and justice. Those of us who are poets and poetry enthusiasts embrace poetry as a viable avenue through which these ideals, for which Dr. King and countless others fought and gave their lives, change can be achieved. We see ourselves as change agents at a time when change is a pivital and critical force, one that is at times unifying and other times divisive. We are pleased that Prince George's County, by working in collaboration with The Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council, has joined the legion of cities, counties and states throughout the country to establish an Office of the Poet Laureate. Such an office can open doors of expression and opportunity for all, from youth to elder. Serving as a conduit through which voices can be heard, training can be provided, and the community can be served, the Office of the Poet Laureate will be a "win" and a window of opportunity for poets and non-poets alike.
The resolution was unanimously pass by the County Council on September 18, 2018. Let us all do our part to ensure this opportunity benefits all Prince Georgians and that the Office of the Poet Laureate becomes a vehicle to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Prince George's County.
Prince George's Suite Magazine
*The graphic to the left appeared in the Summer 2018 print issue of Prince George's Suite Magazine, an award-winning lifestyle publication that publishes four times per year. The magazine reaches nearly 30,000 readers in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
Featured Book - Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can
This inaugural book of poems by Sistah Joy is formatted in 6 "cycles" including, social consciousness, coping with life, love/relationship poems, poetry for and about children, Haiku, and spirituality. The book includes an introduction by award-winning former Washington Post journalist, Dorothy Gilliam, who writes, "(Sistah Joy's) poems mourn and celebrate the black experience--from the homeland from which blacks were stolen, through their sojourn in the new land. The poems bring Alford's pain for the deep wounds of her black brothers and sisters into clear focus. Yet she stands proudly among those who see the survival of African Americans as evidence of their strength, not thei weakness."
*Visit the "Purchases, Bookings, …" page to buy more books by Sistah Joy
Words as Work - Art & Advocacy
Reflections of A Poet
As a poet I strive to share information and make positive change in situations where I perceive that need and opportunity intersect. I once had the opportunity -- the privilege of meeting and hearing Danny Glover speak. He was the keynote speaker at a panel discussion on the issues of race and religion. Through his words he imparted with great passion how he uses his crafts of acting and filmmaking to accomplish the significant work of, among others, chronicling history, bridge-building and healing communities. Those familiar with the social activist work of Mr. Glover know of the far-reaching and expansive nature of his work, so for the purpose of my remarks here, I’ll limit my focus to his work of inspiring others through his words. The occasion caused me to reflect on my efforts to use art, specifically poetry, as a means of impacting change in my community and in society at large.
When writing, or more accurately, when contemplating a poem, I am often removed from my immediate circumstance. Situations arise that inspire me to reflect on a particular message and subsequently devise a message and writing approach to effectively accomplish work that I feel can enlighten, empower and inspire people that would read or listen to poetry. Often it is the very massaging of words, evaluating their tone, feel and impact, beyond their literal meanings that determine their selection for a particular poem. As was aptly referenced by a young poet during a recent literary discussion, the "shades and shadows" imparted by word selection make all the difference in the poet being able to harness aspects and emotions that would bring the listener to fully comprehend the intent and the universe of a poem. Just as in science-fiction movies, which seem to capture my attention more often than I care to confess, the universe of a poem is crafted by more than merely the word selection of the poet. The poem is gestalt, truly more than the sum of its parts. Yes, poets must carefully consider their word selection, but must also consider inference, tone, nuance, feel, implication, as well as, of course sequence, meter, rhythm, and when desired, rhyme. These are a few factors a skillful poet considers when writing. Ultimately, the buy-in of the reader is dependent upon their experience of the poem, which inevitably must factor in their experience of life as well as their relationship, and in many instances, their lack of relationship, to the subject presented.
Just as through films and movies where we vicariously experience or peek into worlds beyond our own, so the poet offers such insight and inspiration to those that would journey with them. Great responsibility comes with such an onerous task as impacting social change, imparting knowledge, and to the degree possible when one is so inspired, evoking empathy for people we shall never personally know or meet. It is for these reasons and more that poets must take time to, not merely write, but craft with great care poetry that withstands critique, analysis and discussion by literary and lay person alike. It is the mark of a valid poem, if that is not a redundancy of definition, to be embraced by those that appreciate it because it addresses a personal need, and fills a void that is often inexpressible. That same poem must withstand review and scrutiny by those that would take issue with its message. Truly such is the case for art of any type.
When yearning is quelled through art; when understanding is made clear and issues are made simple; indeed when bridges are built through the delicate lettering of scripted words, then mankind’s destiny can be both chronicled and championed through poetry. It is for these reasons and through these lenses that I view and attempt to convey issues of significance through poetry.
"From the Vault - Archived Advocacy Writings"
I am sometimes asked what advocacy through the arts looks like. While advocacy may take many forms, and causes are without end, one of my most passionate causes is our youth. Below is a transcript of my remarks at a community-based County Budget Hearing. I spoke in support of continued funding for the M-NCPPC's Expressions Talk Up, Not Down Teen Poetry Residency program.
Good evening. My name is Sistah Joy. I’m here to speak on behalf of the Expressions, Talk Up, Not Down Teen Poetry Residency Camp.
I’ve worked with the Expressions camp for the past 5 years, working with …about 150 teens over the years who have discovered new and constructive ways to deal with obstacles, roadblocks, and setbacks in life. This is done through an intensive, full 7 days of arts immersion, instruction and encouragement from professional poets and peer mentors, while working "hands-on" through skill building skits and word association techniques, with tough love and tender care from master poets, -- as well as a guidance counselor/professionally trained therapist and 4-H staff members. The program has recently been broadened to include a visual artist. Each team member is dedicated to helping the teens of Prince George’s County
The teens need and deserve this program. The county owes our teens, who will soon be voting of voting age, the opportunity to develop their social, public speaking and life coping skills in a positive environment.
One immediate obvious “report card” on the success of the Expressions Talk Up, Not Down teen poetry residency camp is the Poetry Hip Hop Choir. By a show of hands, who here has ever, over the past 5 years, attended the Poetry Hip Hop Choir? I invite you, if the funding continues, to come and witness first-hand, how our teens step up to the plate and present a program that is 100 per cent their creation. Many of them have never shared their poetry in a professionally produced program on a stage shared with professional poets; a show where they, the teens, are the stars; where they get to let their voices be heard about things that matter to them. We are planting seeds with the Expressions Camp, the blossoms of which are breathtakingly beautiful to behold.
The Expressions Talk Up, Not Down teen residency camp is a proactive posture taken by the county. At the camp, the teens learn much more than poetry. They learn things such as public speaking, compromise, self-respect, support and encouragement for others and positive self-esteem. They learn how to constructively cope with stress and how to handle problems. They learn to appreciate cultures and values other than their own. They learn that no one can be successful in life if they merely focus on their personal problems and challenges, that it is important to be a functioning and contributing part of society, of the world. They learn that everyone has problems, but if we work together, we stand to resolve them more effectively because of increased synergy when positive forces come together.
I feel it is far better to offer this to our teens than to fall back on the too familiar position taken in too many scenarios where the lack of life skills results in retention in school, incarceration in the juvenile or ultimately adult prison system, or worse, death. This is no dramatization. The statistics bear out the facts. Our youth are not merely at risk, they are dying. When we get them at the Expressions Camp, they are dying for attention, love and support. There’s no reason we cannot give them what they want, need and deserve.
Over the past 5 years, we’ve witnessed turn-arounds and personal growth that is nothing short of miraculous. Some of our teens have grown phenomenally, returning to the camp as peer mentors, demonstrating to their peer teens and to themselves, that they have what it takes today to be leaders in America tomorrow. Almost without exception, at the end of the camp the teens ask if the camp can be extended.
Did I say the teens need and deserve this program? Also, the county needs this program. As one of the most affluent counties in the nation, there is no justifiable reason that we should not invest in the future of Prince George’s County. That’s what we do when we invest in our youth. Whether you believe the skills we provide should be received in their homes, or schools or churches, the reality is our teens are not getting what they need. And it’s not their fault. They’ve been handed a crazy mixed-up world, one I might add, they did not create.
America has become a nation of consumers. Capitalism is what drives everything. That means marketing from sun up, not until sun down, but until sun-up the next day. And what do you think is the message that marketing moguls go for first? You got it! Sex sells. And our teens have learned that lesson well. It’s not enough to tell them “Don’t do this or don’t do that, when they see at every turn, a sexually explicit ad or product enticing them and all would be takers to “Go for it!” If we are serious about Prince George’s County being a positive, progressive part of America, then we cannot afford the luxury of simply being in pursuit of the biggest house, the biggest ride, the brightest bling …the most of everything. “Everything, I can get and everything I can get away with.” That’s the message our teens are learning from us!
If this is the sum total of what Prince George’s County is about, then we can forget about playing games that ratchet up numbers that say how affluent we are and how many mega churches we have and how Maryland school (…buildings) are so great. That’s not going to matter when that brighter tomorrow that we all talk about and work for is denied the very people …yes imagine that, teens are people!, the very people who can help make that happen -- and, just a side note, the very people we should be doing these things for. But just like us, they have to be brought on board and given the tools they need to make positive things happen. If we don’t do this -- well, trust me, there are gangs and crews, as well as detention systems, prisons and graveyards, just waiting for them. Thank you.
The work of a poet requires wearing many hats...
Collective Voices
In my early years as a poet of conscience, I sought to collaborate with like-minded poets in sharing messages of social significance. In 1995, I founded the poetry group, Collective Voices. What began as a sisterhood of poets has today evolved into an ensemble of poets, no longer a sisterhood, but which continues to lift messages of social relevance. Collective Voices, whose members currently include Sylvia Dianne "Ladi Di" Beverly, Andre "Brenardo" Taylor and me, J. Joy "Sistah Joy" Matthews Alford, has written and performed our inspirational, motivational and empowerment poetry on radio and television; and has performed at local, national and international events. Collective Voices' international debut was in London, England in 1998. We are published individually and as an ensemble, and our works have appeared in numerous anthologies. We continue to perform, accept public speaking engagements and book-signing requests, facilitate poetry workshops and present our work before culturally diverse inter-generational audiences.
COLLECTIVE VOICES ON "THE POET AND THE POEM" FROM THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Listen at the link below to an interview of my poetry group, Collective Voices, by nationally renowned poet and literary icon, Grace Cavalieri as part of her series, "The Poet and the Poem". Grace Cavalieri's interviews and book reviews have appeared in various journals including The American Poetry Review. Her original "Poet and the Poem" series premiered on public radio in 1977. The series, which is recorded at The Library of Congress, is distributed on-line via podcast and is also aired through radio stations around the country.
http://www.gracecavalieri.com/collectivevoices/collective%20voices%20radio%20edit.mp3
Sojourn with Words - Award winning Poetry Cable Television Program
In 2005 I was requested to co-produce and host a poetry-oriented program on the Prince George's County local access station. Since that time I have gone on to produce and host Sojourn with Words. Over the years the show has earned national recognition earning 2 Telly awards for excellence in cultural programming and arts entertainment. Sojourn with Words airs in Prince George's County on CTV (Comcast Ch. 76 and Verizon Ch. 42) 3 times weekly. Poets interested in being featured should email me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com with Sojourn with Words Poet in the subject line.
Due to current social distancing requirements, Sojourn with Words now records episodes "virtually" through Zoom-based technology. Local viewers in Prince George's County and Montgomery County, MD are encouraged to watch Sojourn with Words on CTV (Comcast Ch. 76 or Verizon Ch. 42) Thursdays, at 11:30 am & 6:30 pm and Saturdays at 6:30 pm. Also, Sojourn with Words can now be viewed globally on CTV's YouTube channel and on PGCTV.org. Be in touch at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com for more information about how to view the show through YouTube or on Facebook, or if you'd like to inquire about being a guest on the show.
Sojourn with Words airs "encore presentations" of each episode for 3-4 weeks, so be sure to pass the word to friends and family when your favorite poet is featured. Tune in and invite your friends to tune in as well to join the Sojourn with Words family. To check for schedule changes or view the full CTV weekly program listing visit: pgctv.org/tv-schedule/.
Poetry as Ministry - The Anointed P.E.N.S.
Since 2003, I have served as President of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. Ministry members are known as The Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls). In 2016, I was also named Poet Laureate of the Church, where I continue to lead the ministry through poetry-based service and community engagement.
Membership in The Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry is open to members of the church and community poets who embrace and espouse the teachings of Christ. Ministry activities currently include monthly Planning & Fellowship Meetings, which are now held virtually using Zoom technology on each 3rd Friday. The Ministry also presents a variety of virtual Zoom-based "Poetry & Praise Open Mic Nights throughout the year which are open to the community. Members of The Anointed P.E.N.S. also accept invitations to minister virtually at area church and community events. Interested poets and church officials may contact The Anointed P.E.N.S. at the Ebenezer Poetry Ministry Hotline, 301.265.8254; through the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry Facebook page, or by email at Poetry@ebenezerame.org.
The Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry presents virtual "Poetry & Praise" Open Mic services and celebrations 4 times per year. Events typically take place from 6:30-8:30pm on 3rd Fridays, as indicated below:
February - Black History Month Celebration
April - National Poetry Month Celebration
June - Juneteenth Celebration
October - National Arts & Humanities Month Celebration
Contact Poetry@ebenezerame.org for schedule confirmations. Official announcements (flyers, email announcements and social media postings) are available 2-3 weeks in advance. All ages are welcomed. Inquiries, comments and membership requests to join the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry may be directed to Poetry@ebenezerame.org or the Poetry Ministry Hotline at 301.265.8254.
I'd love to hear from you!
Be in touch at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com and let me know what you think of my new website. Let me know what you'd like to see that's not currently posted. I'll display the most frequently asked questions, and my replies, so everybody benefits.
You may also obtain information about other poetry events (not just mine!) on my Facebook page, "Joy Alford" or my Business Facebook page, "Sistah Joy Alford - Poetry."
Sistah Joy as author...
Readers want to know...
Each of my three collections of poetry are also available by contacting me directly at
P. O. Box 2073, Clinton, MD 20735.
Lord, I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can - $15 (plus $2 shipping & handling)
From Pain to Empowerment, The Fabric of My Being - $10 (plus $1.50 s/h)
This Garden Called Life - Poems & Photography by Sistah Joy - $12.50
(plus $1.50 s/h)
*Discounts are available for bulk purchases of 10 copies more per title.
Poetry News...
UNLEASHING THE POWER OF POETRY TO ADDRESS HUNGER
Sistah Joy participated in a North America UN (United Nations) roundtable discussion and poetry presentation on the power of poetry to address national and global hunger. The article below provides details about this significant discussion on hunger between 4 American poets and UN officials from countries around the world.
www.fao.org/north-america/news/detail/en/c/1128057/
FURTHER, as part of this year's World Food Day the UN's FAO is sponsoring its WORLD FOOD DAY POETRY COMPETITION, a "hunger-themed" poetry competition. I am honored to promote the competition my on my website. The poetry competition is held in conjunction with the Poetry X Hunger initiative.
There is no entry fee. Poems in any form and tradition, with any or no geographic focus, should be submitted as an attached pdf file via email to poetryxhunger@gmail.com.
Link: https://bit.ly/2vNTYZW
"A Conversation with Excellence" - Sat., Oct. 17 (5:00 PM) - A National Arts & Humanities Mon
In observance of National Arts and Humanities Month, The Prince George's Office of the Poet Laureate will present "A Conversation with Excellence," a virtual literary panel discussion with occasional poetry presentations featuring Prince George's County's four Poets of Excellence (Hiram Larew, Diane Wilbon Parks, Sylvia "Ladi Di" Beverly and Andre Brenardo Taylor). The event, which will take place from 5:00 until 6:30 PM, Saturday, October 17, 2020, and will be moderated by Prince George's County Poet Laureate, Sistah Joy, is being sponsored by the Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC); with funding and support from the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the Nora Roberts Foundation. The event is free but advance registration is required. Register to attend "A Conversation with Excellence" at pgahc.eventbright.com.
Staying in Touch
Don't see what you're looking for?
Let me know what you'd like to see on my website by emailing me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Poetry News
Look for my new book, "Poets Don't Whisper" in the fall of 2021. Contact me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com or P. O. Box 2073, Clinton, MD 20735 to let me know if you, your church, community organization or business would like to discuss what it takes to host a book-signing or reading when my new book comes out.
Testimonials
Community Service Award
Sistah Joy receives prestigious CAAPA Community Service Award
Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) Executive Director, Terri Allen, presented the organization's prestigious Community Service Award to Sistah Joy in recognition for her extraordinary and continuing work in the community "in the areas of poetry, literature, spoken word and arts and humanities...as an author, advocate and activist, with dedicated service to Prince George's County Arts Community and the community at large... whose enthusiasm, diligence and commitment have not gone unnoticed."
_______
Next collection of poetry...
Sistah Joy's fourth collection of poetry, Poets Don't Whisper, will be released in early 2019.
For inquiries, bookings or book requests, contact Sistah Joy at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com.