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J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
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QUEEN - (...for NPM 2007)
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!
As a poet, I seek to uplift, empower and offer paths to peace through poetry, and believe in taking poetry to the community. 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.) family.
Please email me your response to 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
Join in the fun from 7 PM until 9 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 as The Anointed P.E.N.S. of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church celebrate NATIONAL POETRY MONTH with poetry, African drumming, singing, good food and fellowship. There will be an Open Mic for guest poets and book signings by members poets of the Ministry. View more information about this 5th Annual NPM Celebration on my EVENTS page (see: Ebenezer A.M.E. Church National Poetry Month Celebration - 4/22/08) or contact me by email to request a flyer.
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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View photos from 12th Annual Poetry Extravaganza -
A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Event Date: 1-12-2008)
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).
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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Buy your Autographed copy today! >>
Lord I'm Dancin' As Fast As I Can $14.95,
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 solio-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
Ants to Ancestors by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
This reflective poem speaks to the issues of faith and the brevity of life....
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...
Queen by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
Written in celebration of National Poetry Month - 2007...
As They Pierced His Palm by J. Joy Matthews Alford - Sistah Joy
A reflective poem about the ultimate sacrifice of Christ...
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
Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree Ends at Barnes & Noble 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 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...
Poetry Extravaganza - 10th Year Mark (An Historic Overview) 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...
Poetry Fundraiser Features Amiri Baraka & Etan Thomas 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 ...
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Events
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church National Poetry Month Celebration - 4/22/08 4/22/2008
The Anointed P.E.N.S. of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry present their 2008 National Poetry Month Celebration. Featured poet/spoken word artist Deserie Johnson. Renowned soprano Karen Wiggs-Wilbanks, will also be featured during this cul...
Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree - 4/17/08 4/17/2008
The Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Series has been CANCELLED. Sistah Joy and Doc extend heartfelt apologies to the series' long-time supporters and guest who were looking forward to this year's National Poetry Month Celebration. Please feel free to co...
National Poetry Month and Earth Day Celebration 4/10/2008
Sistah Joy will host this Silver Spring Whole Foods Market National Poetry Month and Earth Day Celebration on Thursday, April 10th. The Featured Poet will be PATRIC PEPPER. This free, family-friendly event includes an Open Mic. Metro accessible. ...
Expressions Teen Creative Writing Workshop [3/21-3/29] 3/21/2008
4-session Teen Creative Writing/Poetry Workshop will be help at Lake Arbor Community Center, 10100 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, MD 20721 hosted by MNCPPC. Workshop instructors will be Prince George's County Master Poets Sistah Joy & Poetry Man. F...
Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree - 3/20/08 3/20/2008
A free-to-the-community, family-friendly poetry event. Featured Poets are Kendall Brown, Monique Brown and Carleasa Coates. This month's soiree includes a Women's History Month celebration and an Open Mic! Located 1 block from Metro Center....
Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Black History Month Celebration - 2/26/08 2/26/2008
The Anointed P.E.N.S. of the Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry their 2008 Black History Month Celebration with featured poet/spoken word artist "TY GRAY-EL."...
Expressions Teen Creative Writing Workshop (4 days!) [2/22-3/1] 2/22/2008
4-session Teen Creative Writing/Poetry Workshop will be help at Stephen Decatur Community Center hosted by MNCPPC. Workshop facilitators will be Prince George's County Master Poets Sistah Joy & Poetry Man. Free...
Verse, Vibes & Bites - 2/21/08 (Sistah Joy at Barnes & Noble) 2/21/2008
A free-to-the-community, family-friendly poetry event. Featured Poets are Fred Joiner and Karin Wilkinson. Event includes Black History Month and Valentine's Day celebrations and an Open Mic! Located 1 block from Metro Center....
The Government's Role in Black Reparations - (Sistah Joy at UDC) 2/19/2008
Sistah Joy will present her poem, Reparations, as part of the UDC sponsored lecture: The Government's Role in Black Reparations....
Poetry Fit For A King (Sistah Joy at U.S. Dept. of State) 2/13/2008
Sistah Joy will be the featured artist in the State Department's State of Arts Cultural Series, presenting a noon time poetry reading in celebration of Black History Month....
Evolution and Ancestry (Sistah Joy at UMD's David Driskell Arts Center) 2/12/2008
Poet Sistah Joy will participate in "Evolution and Ancestry," a multi-discipline artist collaboration at U. of MD's David C. Driskell Center on 2/12/08.
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Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree -1/17/08 1/17/2008
A family-friendly, free-to-the-community poetry event. Featured Poet is Mike Maggio. Event includes an Open Mic. Located 1 block from Metro Center....
12th Annual Poetry Extravaganza 1/12/2008
Washington, DC Poet Laureate Dolores Kendrick headlines this 12th annual poetry tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Poetry Extravaganza is a free-to-the-community cultural arts event hosted by Collective Voices and C.A.A.P.A., Inc. which ...
Artistic Expressions - Ebenezer Poetry Ministry Holiday Celebration 11/30/2007
This is the annual Holiday Celebration hosted by The Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls), the member poets of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church. All are welcome to attend. A free-will offering will be collected. This event includes a receptio...
Verse, Vibes & Bites - A Poetry Soiree 11/15/2007
A family-friendly, free to the community poetry event. Includes Featured Poets and an Open Mic. Located 1 block from Metro Center....
Verse, Vibes & Bites Poetry Soiree 10/18/2007
Monthly poetry event at Barnes & Noble, hosted by Sistah Joy, includes featured poets & open mic. Free...
Verse, Vibes & Bites 9/20/2007
Sistah Joy hosts this month's poetry soiree upstairs in the Cafe at the downtown, DC Barnes & Noble Bookstore....
Verse, Vibes & Bites 8/16/2007
Sistah Joy hosts this monthly poetry soiree upstairs in "Center Court" at the downtown, DC Barnes & Noble Bookstore....
Verse, Vibes & Bites 7/19/2007
Sistah Joy hosts this monthly poetry soiree upstairs in "Center Court" at the downtown, DC Barnes & Noble Bookstore....
April Sims Arts and Entertainment Radio 6/25/2007
Sistah Joy was interviewed on "April Sims A&E Radio." Listen to the archived interview at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/hostpage.aspx?show_id=27940....
Verse, Vibes & Bites 6/21/2007
Sistah Joy hosts this monthly poetry soiree upstairs in "Center Court" at the downtown, DC Barnes & Noble Bookstore....
Sojourn With Words (Cable TV Program) 6/7/2007
Sistah Joy interviews Chris Fields (a.k.a. THE POETRY MAN) who presents his original poetry/spoken word on this week's episode of Sojourn With Words....
Intersections - A Poetry Venue 6/6/2007
Sistah Joy will attend Intersections at Honfleur Gallery in SE., Washington, DC...
Sojourn With Words (Cable Television Program) 5/24/2007
Sistah Joy presents Christopher L. Fields a.k.a. "POETRY MAN" on this week's Sojourn With Words...
Verse, Vibes & Bites 5/17/2007
Verse, Vibes & Bites is a free monthly poetry soiree that is hosted by Sistah Joy with musical accompaniment provided by Doc Powell on Djembe (African drum).
Come join with us for a special evening of poetry celebration as we welcome from Ne...
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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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Sistah Joy Returns to The Islander Restaurant & Lounge
Join "Sistah Joy & Friends" at The Islander Restaurant & Lounge for a delightful evening of Poetry & Jazz!
Special Guest Jazz vocalist will be Julian Hipkins.
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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
P. O. Box 44353
Washington,
DC
20026
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Work phone: 202.246.0111
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