Pen2Paper of the Month:
Venus Jones 
About
Venus:
Venus
is a multi-talented author, actress, award-winning
poet, and professional
speaker. The former
MTV correspondent has a voice and image that has appeared in over 100
commercials and two blockbuster movies. As a writer and performer, Venus
has shared the stage with Grammy-nominated poet Nikki Giovanni and opened
for Def Poetry on Broadway.
As a
public speaker, she's provided audiences insight on topics ranging from diversity,
self-esteem, and the art of presentation.
As
a community activist, Venus continues to produce “sheroes” weekly as a
youth facilitator for a gender-specific program called “Be true to you.”
Her debut poetry book “She Rose (on a journey from girl to Goddess)” was
written to celebrate and uplift women of all ages.
A
few questions for Venus:
1.
Tell us a little about the book.
“She
Rose (on a journey from girl to Goddess)” is a book of poetry and quotations
for women of all ages and men who love them. These seventy poems are divided
into three sections for the mind, body and spirit and range from abstract
to the informative, from affirmations to tributes. Venus shares personal
stories and lessons from her life journey. "She Rose" celebrates
mothers, the Earth, spiritual growth, and the art of moving forward and
up. She Rose is the kind of book that raises one’s awareness of the isms
that bind us and releases you from them at the same time.
2. How can we create more heroes and sheroes?
A hero is someone who creates an emotionally and physically safe place
for people to think for themselves without judgment. Most humans have
an innate need to be heard or acknowledged. When people feel free to express
themselves and to own their energy or emotions, they can more easily release
limiting beliefs. They also feel more comfortable thinking critically
and leading their own lives and the lives of others. If you want to develop
closer relationships and deeper understanding, practice active or reflective
listening by paraphrasing the words and the feelings you hear in daily
conversations. This alone generates a shift in energy, fostering hope
for those who need it most. Listening is an act so heroic, it helps save
lives and creates more life savers.
3.
Who are some writers who've inspired you?
As far as authors, I'd say Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Maya Angelou,
Marianne Williamson, Iyanla Vanzant, and Cornel West. I'm also inspired
by singer/songwriters like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Maxwell,
Anthony Hamilton, and Sting.
Double click on "pentopaper" on the player below
to hear poetry by Venus Jones.