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J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
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QUEEN - (... for NPM)
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 truths from ancestors
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!
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POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT at ANNIE'S ART GALLERY
JOIN US EACH 3RD THURSDAY At Annie's Art Gallery for our monthly Open Mic Poetry Night which takes place from 7 to 9 PM. This is a family-friendly, free-to-the-commmunity event. The featured poets for October 15 will be Renee McCrae and Ladi Di, author of the book, Forever In Your Eyes, and her newly released poetry CD, Welcome To Love. Additional information about this and other community events at Annie's Art Gallery can be viewed at www.Anniesartgallery.net.
The gallery is also seeking visual artists to feature at this monthly event. Poets and visual artists interested in being featured at Annie's Art Gallery during 2010 calendar year should contact Poetsistahjoy@aol.com.
Sistah Joy, Poet in Residence
Annie's Art Gallery
5814 Allentown Way
Camp Springs, MD 20748
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INSPIRATION STATEMENT
As a poet, I seek to uplift, empower and offer paths to peace through poetry. I believe that taking poetry to the community is a means to that end. Life and God (not necessarily in that order) are my sources of inspiration. Influences include Gwendolyn Brooks, Haki Madhubuti, Sonia Sanchez, Rev. & Mrs. Benjamin H. Craig, my immediate and extended families, my sisters of Collective Voices, as well as my Anointed P.E.N.S. (Ebenezer A.M.E.) and Annie's Art Gallery families.
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To view archival photos from past events visit http://www.sistahjoy.com/Gallery.htm
*(Click to enlarge photos and read overhead captions)
Please email me your response to or reviews of my poetry, events and articles posted here. I'm always interested in hearing feeback and ideas that my work inspires. Thank you!
J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
LISTEN TO:
Sistah Joy's interview with April Sims and Poetry Man on BlogTalkRadio at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=27940
Sistah Joy's interview with Jonathan Holley on Give God The Glory on BlogTalkRadio at:
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Birth Place: Washington, DC USA
Accomplishments:
Recipient, DC Poet Laureate Special Award (2002) "for her outstanding contribution to the art of poetry in Washington, D.C."
Author, "Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can" and (upcoming) "My Soul Shouts Out Loud"
International Performance Debut - London, 1997 (International Women's Conference).
Poet in Residence at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD (2008 - Present)
Former Poet in Residence as well as originator and host of Verse, Vibes & Bites poetry soiree, (2002-2008) at Downtown DC Barnes & Noble Books.
Co-producer and Host of Sojourn With Words, award-winning (2007 Telly) poetry-based cable television program
Founder of Collective Voices, (Washington, DC sisterhood of African-American poets),
Co-founder of Anointed P.E.N.S. (poets of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry)
Board Member, C.A.A.P.A., Inc. (Coalition of African-Americans in the Performing Arts)
Former editor, (5 years) A.C.E. Dialogue Literary Magazine
(Former) President, Toastmasters, Int'l., FCC Chapter #345
(Former) President, Upper Northwest Chapter, Federally Employed Women (F.E.W., Inc.)
(Former) Diversity Chair - DC Metro Region F.E.W., Inc.
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Books
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 | Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This collection of poetry includes 6 cycles, including themes of socio-political commentary, relationships, spirituality, youth poetry, Haiku, and "general". The book's introduction is by Washington Post Journalist, Dorothy Gilliam who writes, "The book's depth lies in Alford's clear understanding of what it means to be rooted in Africa while grounded in experience as a Black woman in America. A...
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk
Borders Books
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Poetry
I Stand Tall by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This is a sample of the "empowerment poetry" included in my most recent chapbook, From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being....
In The Quiet Time by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Inspirational Poem...
In Search Of by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Sharing "In Search Of," my offering for National Poetry Month as we are about to conclude the 2009 NPM celebration...
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Train Ride To Hope by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This poem relays my personal experience as one of the millions who went to the 2009 Inaugural....
The Discovery of Connectedness by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This poem is offered with sincere appreciation for a lesson on relevence and connection. "The Discovery of Connectedness" was inspired by my participation in multi-disciplined workshops conducted by c...
A Poet’s Crystalline Moment by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This poem relates to the reader the cathartic power of poetry. It is through such experiences that poets (and others) can come to understand and appreciate very real and necessary stages through whic...
As They Pierced His Palm by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
A reflective poem about the ultimate sacrifice of Christ...
Remembrances by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
A Memorial Day poem of commemoration.
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Ants to Ancestors by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This reflective poem speaks to the issues of faith and the brevity of life....
Queen by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Written in celebration of National Poetry Month - 2007...
Dawn At The River by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Freedom's Echo by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
I wrote this ekphrastic poem after attending an exhibit and open discussion of the works of 3 visual artist refugees who now create their art in America. The exhibit, which was presented by Heliport ...
Strong Hands of Mother Africa by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This powerful poem invokes and embraces the spirituality of the Diaspora while encouraging cultural enlightenment. It is the first poem in the book, Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can....
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Articles
Champions, Heroes & Icons - Ten Who Stood Tall by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
An article about, Champions, Heroes & Icons - Ten Who Stood Tall," the inaugural poetry gala held on 11/17/09, welcoming the community to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library's newly renovate...
Books by Sistah Joy - Order Form by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Book Order Form for Sistah Joy's 3 books...
The Big Read by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Sistah Joy's participation in Washington DC's BIG READ at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library. Featured book: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCuller...
Creating Verse to Inspire Social Change by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
(Archival Article)
Poet seeks to inspire and uplift through verse.
...She has given readings for numerous audiences throughout the U.S., primarily along the East Coast and has also per...
Camp Springs woman transforms pain into poetry by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Article appearing in Prince George's Gazette Arts & Entertainment (p. A-11 on 7/16/09) highlighting new book by Sistah Joy, From Pain to Empowerment-The Fabric of My Being. "...The poems in this col...
From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being" was the theme of an enchanting and emotionally-charged literary event featuring and hosted by Sistah Joy at Parish Gallery-Georgetown on Thursday, Ap...
Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Sistah Joy partners with Ja'nice Wisdom of Read Across Jamaica to present the Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party. Members from all segments of the community provide ou...
Words as Work - Reflections of A Poet (3/1/2009) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
In this article (see downloadable link above) I present my personal reflections about the significance of poetry as a tool of social conscience. However, this is a two-pronged article which addresses ...
Poetry Extravaganza - 10th Year Mark (An Historic Overview) (1/2006) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Poetry Extravaganza is a literary tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The tribute is presented annually by Collective Voices, the sisterhood of poets founded by Sistah Joy, i...
Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree Ends at Barnes & Noble (3/2008) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Almost 6 years after its debut, the VERSE, VIBES & BITES poetry soiree, which was originated and hosted by Sistah Joy, ended at Barnes & Noble on March 20, 2008.
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Poetry Fundraiser Features Amiri Baraka & Etan Thomas - (6/2006) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
In June of 2006, Amiri Baraka and Etan Thomas are interviewed by Sistah Joy at a poetry fundraiser in Prince George's County. The interviews would become a segment of an upcoming episode of Sojourn ...
An Overflow of Poetry at Annie's Art Gallery - (8/1/08) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Follow up to 8/1/08 Open Mic Poetry Night at Annie's Art Gallery
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Poetry Extravaganza 2008, 12 Annual Tribute to Dr. King by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Hundreds came out to Poetry Extravaganza 2008, the annual tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event, which took place on Saturday, January 12, is presented each ye...
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Events
Poetry Extravaganza 2010 1/16/2010
14th annual free poetry event presented by Collective Voices honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Poet of Distinction is DC Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick. Poetry & musical performances, book signings & light refreshments....
Open Mic Poetry Night at Annie's Art Gallery 11/19/2009
Free monthly poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD.
November Featured Poet is Miles Battle.
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Champions, Heroes & Icons - Poetry Gala 11/17/2009
Free Poetry Gala at MLK Library celebrating 10 figures in Black History. Featured poets include Sistah Joy, Brenardo, Ladi Di, Big Homey & DaRon Clark. Featured musicians include Doc Powell, Curly Robinson & Sydney March. Event includes visual art...
Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery 8/20/2009
Free monthly poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD. August featured poet is Munday Crowell a.k.a. "Munday Night" Featured visual artist is Tyrone Bradshaw.
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Poesis - A Monthly Poetry Reading 6/17/2009
Monthly poetry series, Poesis, at Pentagon City Borders Books features poet, Sistah Joy; with Doc Powell on Djembe (African drum) and Cury Robinson also on drums. Hosted by Simki Ghebremichael. Free...
Juneteenth DC 2009 6/15/2009
Juneteenth Celebration in Washingon, DC at the MLK Library. Sistah Joy will join numerous speakers, and artists at this city-wide celebration/observance....
From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being 4/30/2009
"From Pain to Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being" features the poetry of Sistah Joy with musical accompaniment by Doc Powell, Sydney March & Lorenzo Sands. Light refreshments, limited seating, $10 cover.
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Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party 4/26/2009
Help promote literacy in our community. Join us at this National Poetry Month event on the last Sunday in April at the Camp Springs-Temple Hills-Fort Washington Community Reading Party at Fort Washington McDonald's (Allentown & Temple Hills Rds) fro...
Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery (4/16/09) 4/16/2009
Celebrate National Poetry Month at Annie's Art Gallery from 7 to 9 pm on 4/16, as we present our April Featured Poets, Jeff Motley and Charity....
Women Artists / Women Healing: Multicultural Artistic Narratives of Trauma 3/31/2009
Women Artists / Women Healing: Multicultural Artistic Narratives of Trauma & Survival (*Weekly sessions each Tuesday evening in March)...
Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery - 3/19/09 3/19/2009
Celebrate Women's History Month at Annie's Art Gallery from 7 to 9 pm on 3/19, as we present our March Featured Poet, Mike Shellington....
Cafe Groove (Teen Poetry Coffee House) (3/6/09) 3/6/2009
Support our teens as they present poetry, spoken word and visual art at the Prince George's Ballroom, Landover, MD...
Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery (2/19/09) 2/19/2009
Celebrate Black History Month and Valentine's Day at Annie's Art Gallery from 7 to 9 pm on 2/19, as we present our February Featured Poet, Marcus Adams....
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Links
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| Sistahjoy.com
Website includes information about my poetry activities, with my (recent) past engagements and upcoming schedule of poetry-related events, and my availability for performances and presentations. SCHEDULE page most frequently modified.
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Collective Voices
Bio info of Collective Voices, the Washington, DC sisterhood of poets, Group is available to perform nationally and abroad, and has a history of presenting their original works at events addressing social injustices, human/civil rights and women's advocacy issues.
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Creating Verse to Inspire Social Change
Washington Post Profile of Sistah Joy as poet whose work addresses subjects such as peace, justice, spirituality, self-esteem, and empowerment, particularly of women and youth. She is a poet working for social change through poetry.
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Additional information
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| As a full time poet I am available for public speaking engagements, and offer poetry workshops based on clients' needs. I coordinate, make presentations, and host literary and community events that present life-enriching opportunities and positive messages of empowerment to attendees.
I invite you to visit my website at www.sistahjoy.com or contact me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com for bookings or inquiries.
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Contact
Information
Sistah Joy
P. O. Box 44353
Washington,
DC
20026
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