Today concludes our spotlight of the runner-ups and grand prize winner of our 2nd Annual Poetry Contest 2018. Choosing winners from such talented writers was not easy so we hope that you have enjoyed our spotlight series on these beautiful sistas. Brothers! No worries, there are poems written by men that will be part of the magazine, no doubt.

Speaking of which, don’t forget to look out for the coming Magazine which will not only feature the ladies you’ve seen this past week but also our poets who didn’t place but whose poems also struck a chord with us. As badly as we want to profile them, we can’t give away all the goodies! But trust, these poems will blow your mind as well.

Introducing Jahkazia Part Two

 

Okay Jae. Go ahead and reintroduce yourself for those who didn’t meet you yesterday. What is your name and where are you from?

Hi! My name is Jahkazia Richardson, and I am from Bull City (Durham, NC).

What is the most annoying habit that you have?

Ugh, I feel like I collect everything! I have a problem with throwing away things with sentimental value. I have more clothes and things in my apartment that I care to mention for that very reason.

It’s hard to throw stuff away for real. Any siblings?

I have one little brother who is 20.

Awwue.

We know you can write but what was your childhood dream?

When I was 10 years old, I wanted to open a restaurant called “Big Momma’s Kitchen.” I believe I wrote out a business plan, menu, and everything. I still want that restaurant actually – just under a different name. Coming soon! Send me some juju, please!

Lol. Okay. Speaking of food, what’s your favorite? (I like “Big Momma’s Kitchen” by the way!)

I am an EXTREME foodie, so everything is my favorite. If I had to choose just one thing, I would say Jamaican Jerk Chicken – extra sauce.

Yaass. Love jerk. That’s favorite food, color?

This is so easy! Yellow. It’s the same color as my favorite flower – the sunflower. Oh, and it looks good on my melanated skin so that is a plus.

If you could shadow your favorite artist, who would it be?

Jill. Scott. Jilly from Philly. She has inspired me so much from her transparency, style, and confidence. There were not many artists that looked like me growing up, so looking up to her as a 5 years old felt like a dream.

I can so get a Jill Scott vibe from you! Speaking of music, what kind of music are you into?

My music taste is definitely a melting pot! Most of music playlist consists of mostly R&B, Neo-soul, and hip-hop. I think that’s why I’m always in my feelings. *haha*

Lol. Single? Married? Do we see children in your future?

I’m in a relationship right now. Yes, I cannot wait to be married one day but no, I am nowhere ready for a little one right now. Sometimes I have a little baby fever. Then, there are times when I see a child and want to run, so it’s a tossup.

Lol. Jae, we like to be informational on this blog so tell us, what do you wish you knew more about?

I wish I knew more about music. I have such a deep appreciation for the craft, but I sincerely wish I could turn back the hands of time and learn how to play and read music.

Do you have a favorite TV show?

I love “Chopped” which is the show where you get a few random items and have to make a marvelous meal.

I can dig it. I like Top Chef myself. Religious?

I have tried all my life to me a religious person, but I haven’t found a good fit yet. I am very much a spiritual being. I have healing crystals and sage everywhere.

Be careful with that. I’ve heard some bad things about those healing crystals and sage. Let’s switch things up a little bit. After all, we are here because of your writing. Why is writing important to you?

I grew up extremely, extremely shy and insecure. Writing was my only outlet in order to deal with my mental health issues. Writing was how I processed my worry, pain, and suffering in a way that turned chaos into beauty. In eighth grade, I became an entirely different person when I started reciting in slams, and it built my broken confidence. Being able to have the opportunity to express myself in that way changed my life forever.

Your poem is about knowing your self-worth so tell us, what is it that you love about yourself?

Even with my past self-confidence issues I have always appreciated and loved my loyalty to other people. No matter how folks treated me, I have always been there for them and loved them through it all. I guess it is a double-edged sword, but I love loving others.

That’s what’s up. Jahkazia, thanks so much for spending this time with us!

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Be Sure to Follow Jahkazia Online!

IG: @chamelaninaire 

Facebook: Jahkazia Richardson

To read Part One of this feature, CLICK HERE.

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Missed our other poet spotlights? Please be sure to show our winners some love:

Click Here for Kiyana Blount

Click Here for Nia Elise

Click Here for Nailah Shami