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J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
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He gave me a Word, and my soul gave birth to poetry! ...I have tried to share it with the world.
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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 (5814 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748) for our monthly Open Mic Poetry Night which takes place from 6 to 9 PM. This is a family-friendly, free-to-the-commmunity event. We welcome poets & aspiring poets, youth and elder, adult and teen, and everyone in-between! At Annie's we are serious about promoting the arts and artist (of all kinds), so all are welcome. Additional information about this and other community events at Annie's Art Gallery can be viewed at www.Anniesartgallery.net.
Annie's Art Gallery is seeking visual artists to feature at this monthly event. Poets and visual artists interested in being featured at Annie's Art Gallery during 2012 calendar year should contact Sistah Joy at 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 Collective Voices family, 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 feedback 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 From Pain To Empowerment - The Fabric of My Being"
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

|  | 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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Short Stories
 Sistah Joy receives CAM Award for Best Host in Entertainment Category by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Poet Sistah Joy receives CAM award for "Best Host in Entertainment Category at 14th Annual Community Access Magic Awards and Scholarship Presentation on Thursday, 9/29/2011. Advance tickets required....
We Made It! (Celebrating National Poetry Month) by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy 2011 NPM close out greeting (summary of NPM activities) to poetry family and friends from Sistah Joy...
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Poetry
 I Proudly Wave The Flag by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy This poem is shared in observance of Veterans Day
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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 workshop conducted by cl...
A Thanksgiving Prayer Poem by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Happy Thanksgiving to my many on-line friends and family,
Each of you are a blessing in my life. Thank you for your friendship and love. Thank you for sharing your life, your time, and for...
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....
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
 Sistah Joy receives CAM Award for Best Host in Entertainment Category by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Poet Sistah Joy receives CAM award for "Best Host in Entertainment Category at 14th Annual Community Access Magic Awards and Scholarship Presentation on Thursday, 9/29/2011. Advance tickets required....
Celebrating National Poetry Month! - April 2011 by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Overview article about Sistah Joy's 2011 National Poetry Month activities, and announcing the availability of her 4 books as well as her and her groups' availability to perform....
Honoring A King - Event Review by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy A free commemorative tribute honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held at The Publick Playhouse on Saturday, April 2, 2011.
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AmericaSpeaks Profiles Poet Sistah Joy by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Sistah Joy is profiled by AmericaSpeaks about her experience as a facilitator, poet and literary activist. ...
Envision Prince George's 21st Century Town Meeting by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Sistah Joy's article & ccrresponding poem (both posted below) about the Envision Prince George's intiative, the Envision Prince George's 21st Century Town Meeting, and her poem, "What Will It Be?" ...
2010 Expressions Talk Up, Not Down Teen Poetry Camp & Hip Hop Poetry Choir by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Review article about the 2010 Expressions Talk Up, Not Down teen poetry camp that took place July 11 through 17 in Prince George's County, Maryland. Congrats to all the teens (...and adults!) who p...
Poetry Between The Lines - Celebrating Teen Poets by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy A free-to-the-community celebration of the excellence of Prince George's County teen poets to be presented by the Prince George's Arts Council at The Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel, Maryland on Th...
Big Fun at 2nd Annual Community Reading Party by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Thank you to all who came out to be part of the fun, or in any way supported The 2nd Annual Community Reading Party at the Fort Washington McDonald's!...
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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News
 Sistah Joy receives CAM Award for Best Host in Entertainment Category by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Poet Sistah Joy receives CAM award for "Best Host in Entertainment Category at 14th Annual Community Access Magic Awards and Scholarship Presentation on Thursday, 9/29/2011. Advance tickets required....
Sojourn With Words - National Poetry Month Special Feature by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy Nationally renowned poet, author of childrens books and biographer, Eloise Greenfield is the special guest on the April 2010 edition of Sojourn With Words, the poetry-based cable television program co...
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Events
 Family Friendly Poetry Open Mic Night - A Black History Month Celebration 2/16/2012 Join the friends of Annie's Art Gallery as they come together with neighbors and friends for their 5th Annual Black History Month Poetry Open Mic Featured Poets: Ladi Di and Orville Walker. Hosted by Sistah Joy
FREE...
Sistah Joy's Book Release Party - This Garden Called Life 11/19/2011 Sistah Joy releases her newest publication, a chapbook of original poetry and photography. An afternoon of Jazz, refreshments and poetry at Annie's Art Gallery. No cover. This Garden Called Life - Inspirational poetry....
Family Poetry Open Mic at Annie's Art Gallery - 11/17/11 11/17/2011 A monthly free, family-friendly poetry open mic event in Camp Spring, MD hosted by Sistah Joy. November featured poet is Nahledge. Djembe drummer Doc Powell will accompany all poets who request his assist. Youth and teens as well as seniors and in...
Veterans Day Open Mic (MDWP) of The National Mall 11/11/2011 Sistah Joy will participate in the annual Veterans Day event where military veterans and families and friends of veterans share poetry, songs and stories about their military experiences....
Let’s Network Brandywine - Bringing The Community Together 7/3/2011 LOCATION CHANGE: 8001 Dyson Rd., Brandywine, MD 20613
Members of the community, (family & business) including fellow artists and entreprenuers are invited to "Let's Network Brandywine" hosted by Transformation Network, featuring Poet Sistah...
Ebenezer AME Church Poetry & Praise Open Mic Night 6/17/2011 Poetry & Praise Open Mic event hosted by Ebenezer AME Church Poetry Ministry, The Anointed P.E.N.S. (6-8:30 pm) in Fort Washington, MD. FREE...
Honoring A King - Free Poetry Performance Honoring Dr. King 4/2/2011 A poetry & music-based commemorative tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King featuring Collective Voices (Sistah Joy, Ladi Di & Brenardo) joined by area poets: Carolyn Cooley Joyner, Dyone Mitchell, Avery Lanier-Tynes; classical musi...
Celebrating African American History - Oxon Hill Library 2/26/2011 A free, family-friendly Black History Month poetry celebration featuring Collective Voices at the Oxon Hill Library....
Poems to Heal and Honor a Nation - (A free 911 commemorative event) 9/11/2010 Free program of 911 commemorative poetry presented by Collective Voices with musical accompaniment....
Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery - 8/19/2010 (Teen Night!) 8/19/2010 Sistah Joy hosts the August 2010 Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery as they celebrate the accomplishments of local teen poets at this special extended night of poetry. Teens will open the event promptly at 6 PM. Presentations by adult poet...
A Night of Poetry & Drumming at The Potter's House - 8/13/10 8/13/2010 Sistah Joy to MC a night of poetry, African drumming and dancing from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM at The Potter's House on Friday, 8/13...
Poetry Between The Lines 5/20/2010 The Community is invited to celebrate the excellence of Prince George's County teen poets at The Montpelier Arts Center on Thursday, May 20, 2010. This free event features award-winning teen poets, Michael Penn, Armand Jackson and Mariah Williams wh...
CS-TH-FW Community Reading Party 4/25/2010 2nd Annual Community Reading Party Promoting Literacy & celebrating National Poetry Month at the Fort Washington McDonald's. The Cat In The Hat will create mischief and fun for/with the children. Poets & other literacy ambassadors will read to/with...
Sojourn With Words - National Poetry Month Special Feature 4/22/2010 Nationally renowned poet, author of childrens books and biographer, Eloise Greenfield is the special guest on the April 2010 edition of Sojourn With Words, the poetry-based cable television program co-produced and hosted by Sistah Joy....
Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery 4/15/2010 Free monthly spoken word and poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD.
Join us & celebrate National Poetry Month on Thursday, April 15, 2010!
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Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery 3/18/2010 Free monthly poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD.
Join us & celebrate Women's History!
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Black History Celebration & Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery 2/18/2010 Free Black History Celebration & Poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Annie's Art Gallery Poet-in-Residence, Sistah Joy.
February Featured Poet: Grace D. T. Allen. Featured Visual Artist: Al Brown
*This free monthly poetry open mic ev...
Poetry Extravaganza 2010 1/16/2010 14th annual free Poetry Extravaganza 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 refreshm...
Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery 12/17/2009 Free monthly poetry Open Mic Night hosted by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, MD.
December Featured Poets are Thirteen of Nazareth, Kanikki Jakarta and Larry Whitehead, II.
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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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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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Annie's Art Gallery
Sistah Joy hosts a free, family-friendly, poetry open mic night at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland on each 3rd Thursday, from 6 to 9 PM.
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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 host a family-friendly, monthly free-to-the-community Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland from 7 to 9 PM on each 3rd Thursday.
I invite you to visit my website at www.sistahjoy.com for "archival information" or contact me at Poetsistahjoy@aol.com for bookings and inquiries.
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Contact
Information
Sistah Joy P. O. Box 44353 Washington,
DC
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