Poet's Pen Tuesday. Shining the spotlight on J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford. (DMV poetry events are also listed and begin this evening.)

J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford is a poet, author, literary activist and performer. If you are a poetry fan who is located in DC, Maryland, or some place nearby, I highly recommend connecting with Sistah Joy. I consider her the "go to" person for poetry. Sistah Joy also received the Poet Laureate Special Award 2002 in recognition of her contributions and those of her group, Collective Voices, to the city of Washington, DC and to its poetry community. You may also note that she
co-produces and hosts the award winning cable television program, Sojourn With Words on CTV, the local access cable TV channel for Prince George’s County, Maryland.  Sistah Joy currently serves as Poet-in-Residence at the community-based Annie’s Art Gallery in Camp Springs, Maryland. She has served as a Board member for C.A.A.P.A., Inc. (Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts). She has performed on C-SPAN, performed at several venues in London, England, and in schools, museums, theaters, churches, libraries, conventions, book stores, galleries and community centers at public and private celebrations.

Andrea: It's a pleasure having you with us at The Nook this morning.  Please tell me about your writing credits.

Sistah Joy: I am the author of 3 books: Lord I’m Dancin’ As Fast As I Can (2000), From Pain to Empowerment – The Fabric of My Being (2009) and This Garden Called Life (2011). My poetry has also been included in several anthologies.  I edited and am a contributing poet in the anthology, Champions, Heroes and Icons – Ten Who Stood Tall for the Black Studies Center of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in 2009.

Andrea: What are some of the poetry emsembles that you have been a part of?

Sistah Joy: I am the founder of the socially-conscious poetry ensemble Collective Voices, which has performed locally and internationally for the past 17 years. I co-founded Sounds of Empowerment, a workshop-oriented poetry ensemble that addresses issues of support for women who seek to overcome issues such as abuse, abandonment and other marginalizing social and personal stigma. I also co-founded Lyrical Rhythmzz, a poetry and Jazz performance ensemble.

Andrea: Who are the Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls?

Sistah Joy: I am the President of The Ebenezer A.M.E. Church Poetry Ministry whose members are known as Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls).

Andrea: I know that you have coordinated, produced and/or hosted literary events for private and public organizations. Are there any events that you know of that are being held this week?

Sistah Joy: Yes. There are a few poetry events taking place this week in DC and PG County:

9/17 - Performing at CAAPA's annual "Melody of Art" pre-Caucus reception at The Atlas Performing Arts Center with my group, Collective Voices.  CAAPA is the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts)  This free event is a music, art and poetry showcase.   Location:  1333 H St., NE, DC. (7-10 PM)  Hor d'oeuvres served. Cash bar.  Valet parking available.

9/19 - Family-Friendly Poetry Open Mic Night at Annie's Art Gallery - 6-9 PM Featured poet:  Hoke "Bro Yao" Glover.  Teens and young adults expressly invited.  Youth organizations welcomed.  This free event is hosted monthly by Sistah Joy each 3rd Thursday.   5814 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748.

9/20 - Education Celebration at Ebenezer AME Church - The Anointed P.E.N.S. (Poets Empowered to Nurture Souls) of the Ebenezer AME Church Poetry Ministry will present their 2013 Education Celebration featuring highly acclaimed poet, author and educator, Bomani Armah.  This is a free, open to the community poetry & praise Open Mic event.  All are welcome.  Poets, spoken word artists, musicians and vocalists are welcomed to perform.  Location:  7707 Allentown Road (3rd Floor), Fort Washington, MD 20744.  Time:  6-9 PM  Light refreshments served.  *Open Mic sign up list closes at 8:00 PM.   

Connect with Sistah Joy:

Sistah Joy's poetry samples are available on-line at www.Authorsden.com/Poetsistahjoy.

Information about her poetry activities are also available on Facebook at Sistah Joy Alford: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=582158660.

Details about Sojourn With Words, the Award-winning Poetry Cable Show on CTV, may be found at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/Sojournwithwords/  and at Sojourn with Words at  http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sojourn-With-Words/260845050649872.

Information about Poetry Extravaganza, the literary tribute presented for the past 16 years honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is available on the Facebook  (Open Group) page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/289903191058308/.

Book features are waiting for you in Grove Street Ezine. Have you read our latest issue?

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/grove_street_august_2013