 
 |
 | | Jessica Care Moore |
 Jessica Care Moore
Poet/Publisher
Moore Black Press
Atlanta GA
Job history
I've worked everywhere...from waiting tables at steak and ale houses to flipping pizzas at Dominoes when I was in high school! I worked for Fox News for three years as a newswriter and associate producer while going to college. I also did publicity work for Maurice Malone Designs and Detroit's former Hip Hop Shop. In NYC, I was a full time staff writer at The Daily Challenge before my appearance on the infamous Showtime At The Apollo. I quit when I started making more money with my poetry in 1996. Currently, I'm a full-time poet, playwright, published writer, and CEO of Moore Black Press Publishing, and a Poetry Rock Band Diva (lol).
What are you currently working on? Your day-to-day responsibilities?
I'm currently editing a major anthology, The Poetry of Emcees, a comprehensive anthology of Hip Hop Generation writers known to rock the pen. All kinds of cool folks in the book: emerging writers, hip hop artists, playwrights, essayists, comedians, etc. We hope to get kids to read and give light to some of the most talented artists of this generation. I'm in the lab, writing like crazy, preparing for my new solo-theater show, "Alphaphobia!" It's about a black girl poet who thinks the alphabet is trying to kill her. I'm also working on a music project, and preparing for the release of my second book, The Alphabet Verses The Ghetto this year.
I don't really have a day-to-day cause there is always something coming my way. I've been very blessed. My time is usually dedicated to filling book orders for Moore Black Press. I have great interns holding it down for me. I'm also co-owner of a club/performance space in downtown ATL, MoorEpics: The Poetry Planet (227 Mitchell St.). Come see us!
What inspires/motivates you?
The seventh grade class at Nolan Middle School in Detroit. I just left them. They're amazing and most of the young writers I hear are so much better than these "grown" poets and spoken word artists who think they're so profound. I'm inspired by many of my peers and really just the will to keep this art form alive and in the hands of everyday people. I'm also motivated by my family and the rent needing to be paid!! (ha)
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
Je ne sais pas! I'm a woman. You just find a way. It's hard, especially being away from my son sometimes when I'm traveling, but you find the balance. We take vacations! I gotta be in some sun, near the ocean several times in the year.
What career achievement are you most proud of?
Being able to keep my intergrity and having commercial success without being a commercial artist. My independence from the mainstream actually fueled more mainstream popularity. I feel empowered by my company. It's the hardest work, even when you sign your own checks! I'm proud that I'm still doing it when poetry hasn't hit the mainstream radio and tv market yet. I said yet! I'm living as an artist. I'm proud that my elders have embraced me, my work, and that I've been able to perform with people I used to read about (Sonia Sanchez, The Last Poets, Gil Scott Heron, Nikki Giovanni, Ossie Davis)...I'm blessed.
What was your biggest personal/career mistake and what did you learn from the experience?
Wow. I've made so many, I'm sure. Trying to do too much and not saying no. I had to learn to make this my career and that meant not doing everything..especially the free stuff. Folks love getting a poet for free and there was a time when I was over-extending myself and ended up in the hospital. Crazy! You have to pace yourself and not let money, or sometimes what your heart may want, to get in the way of your health.
Guiding principles?
Prayer. Prayer. Faith. Don't sweat the small stuff. My journey is my journey and not to be compared to others.
Birthday? Where you grew up? Where you went to school?
Scorpio woman. Oct. 28, 19... I am a Motor City baby, Detroit's westside. Herman Garden Killas Represent! Four Varsity Letters, ball player, Cody High School. I think I'm gonna do a song on my album called "I Didn't Go To Cass Tech." (ha)
Tell Jessica Care Moore what you think by clicking the "comments" link below | |
| | The 2-Way | |
posted by: Kareem Johnson
@ 01/21/2002 07:56 AM
EST | | I thought the article on Ms. Moore was more than satisfying! she is a great poet as well as a great persson who i met when i produced the Mos Def/Talib Kweli Video "Definition" I am currently in LA but travels alot to ATL. I produce alot of music videos and would love to hook up w/Ms. Moore at her convenience. Please reply to dutchplease@aol.com. Keep doing your thing girl and WE GOT YO BACK! |
posted by: Nicole Moore
@ 01/21/2002 07:57 AM
EST | | You are such an inspiration! Your insistence on keeping your work edgy, hip and grassroots in the face mainstream blingers is not only what makes you unique, it's what gives your art character. Glad we're cousins and even more delighted that we are comrades in this battle for insight, justice and real-ness. 2002 is Moore Black Press, Moore Projects, The Poetry of Emcees and theHotness.com! |
posted by: a homie from the east
@ 01/21/2002 07:57 AM
EST | | aiight! play on 313 |
posted by: Cheri Luster
@ 10/23/2002 06:15 PM
EST | | gurl, your poetry has been inspiring me ever since a friend read me black girl juice and black statue of liberty over the phone in the 10th grade. the next day i went and got the book. you keeps it real and regular every day folks can relate and understand your work. thats the beauty of this art. and you embrace that to the fullest. u also hold it down for the D (shoulda been a huskie!)madd love and much respect. you fly sistah gurl. revolutionarys beware!oh and uh...a sista is in the gump (montgomery going to school and its killing me when you coming down here gurl? think about it) hint hintpeacecheri |
posted by: d jones
@ 11/07/2002 09:40 PM
EST | | yo wassup jess- this is darrell from detroit, i got nothing but love for you keep doing your thang. you've allways been dope since griff's grill back in the yac when i met you and cafe mohogany when it the spot. |
posted by: Drama
@ 11/11/2002 02:34 PM
EST | | Hey, I am a big fan. Not only that, you have inspired me since the very first time i heard you. Keep it up. Be on the lookout for DRAMA the poet, I have big plans for myself, my family and the spoken word. |
posted by: Drama
@ 11/11/2002 02:34 PM
EST | | Hey, I am a big fan. Not only that, you have inspired me since the very first time i heard you. Keep it up. Be on the lookout for DRAMA the poet, I have big plans for myself, my family and the spoken word. |
posted by: marcia jones
@ 12/02/2002 10:21 PM
EST | | Jes,I heard the new book is off the chains!! AND I heard through the grape vine you got a bad ass female artist to do the cover?? what's up with the release date...Woman write me back!! I miss you!! I got to do google searches to find you!! untitled1972@hotmail.com love marcia |
posted by: Taylor Rickett
@ 01/06/2003 09:33 PM
EST | | Ms. Moore....All of your work is phenominal to me! The way you write and inspire through words is an amazing thing to me and especially in "Black Statue of Liberty" you were simply on another level with that! I enjoy everyting yo uwrite so much, both yourself and Saul Williams impress me immensely! I am striving to become a spoken word performer myself and was wondering if you have any words for those of us who do follow the circuit closely...Thank you... |
posted by: Jamal Watkins
@ 01/11/2003 08:02 AM
EST | | To a beautiful sista Ms. Moore... I have not too long ago realized the poet world was so big and that it has artist like yourself and Saul Williams backing it. I had slight interest in poetry but I always thought I would be an writer but you guys are really inspiring and I want to get involved and grow stronger as a writer and even a poet. I know your a great poet but I have not yet purchased any of your books, I am most definitely meaning to, but I have copped the Amethyst Rock Star, by Saul Williams, which is a lifter. Well sis you stay up and keep lifting... Oh yeah a question how do you stand up in front of people and read your poetry with all emotion and no inhibition? Did you take drama classes? I just think its a great thing to do but kind of frightening. Anyway peace and love.Jamal |
posted by: Nicole
@ 01/28/2003 01:38 PM
EST | | Wonderfull artist. I am a huge fan of your work. I think your a special gift to the spoken word genre. Your words are an inspiration to all who reads/listens. I met you once at the Buttafly Cafe in NY and you inspired me to start writing and be more spoken with profound attitude. After purchasing your book and cd, I became overwhelmed with excitement, dedication and enjoyment of the spoken word. Thank you with much love and respect to the unique and only Jessica Care Moore. |
posted by: Derrick B.
@ 01/30/2003 11:44 PM
EST | | I had the pleasure of seeing you on the CMU campus in Mt Unpleasant, Michigan. While I knew of you through "word of mouth," I was inspired by your visit. (And the words really don't fit...) You've gained a new fan. Keep building. |
posted by: Matthew Okeyo
@ 02/12/2003 11:30 PM
EST | | Ms. Moore is such a beautiful soul. Anyone who seeks some of the most cunning African American penmanship since the slave narratives needs to be up on Jessica Care Moore. It's enough to make you proud! |
posted by: Keisha Moore
@ 02/15/2003 10:35 PM
EST | | I remember the first time you appeared on Showtime at the Apollo, and rocked it. It was the first time I had seen someone use their literary talent to perform. I live in SC so things are about 5 steps behind everywhere else. You are an inspiration to all of us 'frustrated artists' out here. I have been writing poetry and short stories since I was in elementary school, and am determined to achieve success in my craft as you have. You are an amazingly talented young lady. I would love to have you read some of my work. Peace & Blessings to you and yours. LadyLaureate@hotmail.com |
posted by: Keisha J. Moore
@ 02/15/2003 10:36 PM
EST | | Also, I have been trying to find your books here and cannot. Please tell me how I can purchase a copy. Thanks |
posted by: tiffani wesley
@ 04/01/2003 10:54 AM
EST | | Jessica you've truly been an inspiration to me. I love your work and the life you've given it. I'm not really familiar with Sonia Sanchez or Nikki Giovanni, but I know what they've been to you. Jess you're my Maya Angelou. When ever I feel down; I just pick up your book; and breathe in the words and find the strength to be myself. I was born to move the pen and I have been and I will forever. I live in a small white-washed town in Texas and it's because of you that I've been able to stand ebony in a bland white society. Thank you so much; I pray for the chance to thank you personally; until then I'll continously thank you in my every breathe.much loveMay God continue blessing you.tiffani |
posted by: Tiffany "Cashmere" Ginyard
@ 07/23/2003 09:46 AM
EST | | I was really inspired by the article on ms. Moore. I want to make a career out of my poety and writing also and she is another example that yes, it can happen. |
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