“Give someone a smile today, for they might just give you one back and make your day.”

 

I am Jacqueline Johnson-Wilkinson (“Gifted”). I am a native Cincinnatian with a rich heritage for family values.

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My background is in Human Resources, strategically managing companies valued assets. I love to write and recite poetry (my original creations). I am a child of God and attend worship at First Baptist Church of Cumminsville, where I am a member of the choir, Praise Dance Supervisor and community outreach coordinator.

 

My Artistic creations started about 10 years ago while listening to a friend recite poetry at a local Jazz Club.  I was inspired to design, so I started writing and performing locally.  Soon I was asked to be apart of hosting a poetry vibe, known as Spokenword Soul, we found a home at The Dukester’s Jazz Club (and now monthly at The Greenwich), as well as the host of The Poet’s Den where we fuse Poetry with Eclectic Jazz.  

 

Recently, I was honored to pay homage to the great Dr. Maya Angelou ~ reciting “Still I Rise” at “The Living Words..” event. I have also had the honor of being apart of many celebrated projects such as the P&G  PBS Series “African-American Lives” and Blind Squirrel’s “Freedom Hero” production for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  But, what I am most elevated by are the live brilliance of a performance: I have performed at many venues around town but regularly been featured at MySista MyFriend Empowering Young Women’s Conferences, Choices Cafe, Unity club, 1st Friday’s Youth program, the Village Walk and the spoken word stage play Coochie Chronicles.  With my poetry I hope to one day touch the minds of others and give someone a reason to SOAR.

 

My motto is:  Give someone a smile today, for they might just give you one back and make your day.

 

People have often compared my style to Etta James, Diane Reeves, or Ella Fitzgerald who are all singers, but I guess it’s the riff of my voice, either way it is a privilege to be in such company.

 

Finally, I am excited about being able to present my talents for you.  Hopefully you will find that I let it flow like the pulse of a heartbeat and know that I am the one of conceit.