Daily Inspiration: Meet Kerrie Joy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerrie Joy.

Hi Kerrie, I’m so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a poet. My ability to transform my feelings into words, like converting energy into a new form, has saved my life and has helped me find peace. I was born in Brooklyn to hard-working Jamaican parents. I was raised in Newburgh, NY, mostly by the laws and requirements of my church and church organization. 

Been a church girl most of my life and then, in my late 20s, I began redefining my relationship with God by seeing God within myself. A lot has changed. I began moving from self-condemnation to self-empowerment. Much of this change began when I accepted the fullness of myself even if folks around me didn’t. No matter who they were. There was a huge emphasis on my sexuality and embracing myself as a Black queer woman. 

Through it all, writing…processing these various symbols, has been my saving grace. At that time, I had no idea it could pay my bills and support a peaceful life for me. But once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it. I take joy in wrestling with and surrendering to these symbols, and I’m excited to see where it goes. 

So, with that, I’m a poet. However, my poetry takes many forms including music, event curation, education, etc. I’m also a pretty dorky chick who just happens to believe in her dreams. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Parts of it were smooth and incredible and the landscape was indescribable and the people memorable. It’s also been stressful and f*king heartbreaking along the way. 

I don’t know, I’ve learned that some stress should be welcomed though. I challenge myself to grow and embrace all of myself with good stress…it’s helping me live the life I dreamed of. And I’ve learned to have more boundaries within and outside of myself, learning what I deserve and doing what makes me happy. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I generally write poetry and share it with people. It could be an open mic, a commissioned piece, a political event, or a friend’s birthday. Now, I am in a space where I curate events and programs that encompass different forms of poetry. I’m also educating young people about how to step into their creativity and even use it as a tool for wellness. 

I’m most proud of the students who have constantly inspired me through The Kaleidoscope Project, a nonprofit that I help run here in the Denver metro. I am most proud of being the very first poet laureate of Adams County, Colorado. I am most proud that I am here to see all of this happen in my life. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
Probably my track meets. I started running track in 8th grade…or 7th….until 12th. I followed in my brother’s footsteps. I was pretty good. Not the best but I had some great seasons and met some of my icons like Allyson Felix and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Veronica Campbell Brown. I was at the Reebok Classic and Penn Relays, running on the same track, same meet, different level but still. 

Now, it feels so good to see them setting records and following their dreams. Just reminds me to hold on to that determined spirit and keep digging until you cross the finish line. My main event was the 400m and 4 x 400m. My favorite was the 2oom. My track team was family. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kerriejoy.com
• Instagram: @kerriejoy and @adcopoetlaureate
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adcopoetlaureate
• Other: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=bLGnXipZpBk&si=dvc9np8AzSxLvaGD

Image Credits
Ryan Landell, Anthony Garcia, Jason Melino, Dave Russell, and B Sweater