YOLANDA "YO" JACKSON
aka POETIC FLOW™
A Chicago Native and Artistic Pisces, Yolanda Jackson (who has decided as of March 2009 to go by her pen name for all future poetry, i.e. Poetic Flow) first began writing poetry in 1985 and since then she has written volumes of poems, participated in Open Mic Poetry/Spoken Word events, appeared as a guest poet on various radio shows, and allowed her poems to be used for weddings, birthday celebrations, invitations, greeting cards, homegoings, and so on.
Her poetry captures the essence of everyday life, situations, circumstances, faith, spirituality, encouragement, motivation and more. She is inspired to write by the universe (i.e. people, family, friends, strangers, feelings, thoughts, etc.)
Outside of poetry, Yolanda works as a Senior Litigation Paralegal in a large International law firm, where she also enjoys and has a passion for working on PRO BONO cases.
Yolanda also volunteers with not-for-profit organizations, schools, church and community organizations.
Connect with me on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/poeticflow2
Connect with me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/poeticflow
Now Available for Purchase
Outstanding Mentionables:
- August 2009, Poetic Flow was featured in Nine5Four Magazine. Her poem "PRAYING HANDS" was a feature poem - http://nine5four.net/mag/poetry-corner/311-praying-hands.html
- May 1, 2009, Poetic Flow was featured on Chicago Radio Station 102.3 WYCA- Gospel & Inspiration with Hostess Ametra Self on the "Stop The Violence" Show for Dreams Are Not Impossible http://dreamsarenotimpossible.webs.com/futureshowguest.htm
- April 16, 2009, Poetic Flow was featured on AAMBC Blog Talk Radio, hosted by Tamika Newhouse, listen to the entire interview @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/AAMBC/2009/04/17/Part-1-AAMBC-2009-Black-Poets-Spotlight (You may have to copy and paste this link in your web browser if it doesn't work by simply clicking on it)
- March 20, 2009, Poetic Flow was a featured guest on blog talk radio's Freestyle-Friday, hosted by Jaxx, broadcasting from New York City. You can listen to her interview @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rtrw/2009/03/21/Freestyle-FridayPoetic-Flow/#comments (You may have to copy and paste this link in your web browser if it doesn't work by simply clicking on it)
- February 14, 2009, Yolanda aka Poetic Flow was a featured guest Poet on The Poet's Cafe - Jam Radio Productions broadcasting from Savannah, GA with KC Colt - Listen to the entire interview @ http://www.blogtalkradio.com/kccolt/2009/02/14/Poets-Cafehouse-Its-All-About-Love (You may have to copy and paste this link in your web browser if it doesn't work by simply clicking on it)
August 28, 2008, Yolanda made her Radio Commercial Debut with D.B.V. Productions @ http://www.myspace.com/dbvproduction for "4030 presents Spoken Word Wednesdays" a commercial that airs in Raleigh, North Carolina, in which she recites her poem LIFE IS LIKE A DECK OF CARDS. - June 24, 2008, Yolanda was named the 2008 National Poetry Month Ambassador by the International Library of of Poetry.
- May 2008, Yolanda published her first book of poems "Poetic Flow - Poetry For Your Soul" a treasured 125 page book of poems.
- May 8, 2008, Yolanda's poem "A Mother's Love" was featured on Zelda Robinson's website http://www.zeldaspeaks.com/7.html
- April 28, 2008, Yolanda's poems "Make It Stop" was featured on Zelda Robinson's website (known for N'Sprirational Conversations with Troi Tyler on V103 and Gospel Radio 1390 in Chicago, IL). Zelda states "There is so much drama and chaos happening in Chicago, it's heartbreaking. Children are being assassinated in their own neighborhoods. This nonsense must cease. In honor of the injured and deceased, today's inspiration comes from a Chicago Poet, Yolanda Jackson." - http://www.zeldaspeaks.com/7.html
- April 25, 2008, Yolanda's poem "Make It Stop" which focuses on the unsettling violence that has been going on in Chicago, IL was featured on one of Chicago's Radio Station DJ's webpage (Casper - bka Mr. C The Slide Man, musical artist who brought you the Cha-Cha Slide).
- March 11, 2008, Yolanda was nominated to include her poetry in the Best Poems and Poets of 2007 through the International Library of Poetry and Poetry.com. Howard Ely, Managing Editor states, "Over the past year or so, we have been reviewing the thousands of poems submitted to us, as well as examining the poetic accomplishments of people whose poetry has appeared on the Internet and in various editions released by other poetry publishers in America and Europe. After an exhaustive examination of this poetic artistry, the International Library of Poetry wishes to feature an entire page dedicated exclusively to the poetry of Yolanda Jackson. Your poetry will be featured along with the work of a distinguished group of approximately 200 of the Best Poets who were selected to participate in this special project. You were selected for publication on the basis of your unique talent. The new poem that you will submit for this edition has been tentatively accepted for publication because your previously published poetry sparks the imagination and presents the reader with a fresh, unique perspective on life. We believe you to be one of the most interesting poets we have encountered, so we wish to feature your artistry in this special edition. We feel you have a special talent and we believe your poem will add to the importance and appeal of this edition. Your contribution to this project is greatly appreciated. It is our pleasure to publish fine poetry such as yours in this historic volume of The Best Poems and Poets of 2007."
- January 2008, Yolanda's poem "Simple Click" was certified as a semi-finalist in the International Open Poetry Contest through Poetry.com. Howard Ely, Managing Editor states, "Yolanda, your poem Simple Click was selected for publication in IMMORTAL VERSES based on your unique talent and artistic vision. We believe it will add to the importance and appeal of this edition."
- October 17, 2007, Nigel Hillary of Noble House (New York-London-Paris) appointed Yolanda as Poet Fellow 2007 stating "The Poet Fellowship is an elite group of international writers who share a common passion for writing. In recent years, the number of Poet Fellows has grown with members from all over the world, starting in London and quickly spreading to New York, Paris, Venice... Yolanda I was extremely delighted with your work and I feel you deserve this type of recognition. Many people write poetry for years and never obtain the level of artistry that is present in your work. You should be proud of your accomplishment, we encourage you to keep striving to be the best and leading your local writing community by example."
- October 8, 2007, Poetry.com and The International Library of Poetry awarded Yolanda the Prestigious Editor's Choice Award for her Outstanding Achievement in Poetry (You can view her poem "Poetic Flow" by clicking this link- http://www.poetry.com/Publications/display.asp?ID=P8254426&BN=999&PN=2). Her poem is also being featured in a deluxe hardbound edition of poetry put together by the International Library of Poetry.
- Elizabeth H. House, Managing Director of Dorrance Publishing says, "Your poetry presents a collection exploring the layers of emotion often defining the human condition. You incorporate an understanding of certain spiritual principles, frequently citing faith as a means whereby a person might overcome even the most daunting of perceived obstacles. Along the way, you highlight qualities relating to courage, loyalty, and love in various forms." Ms. House went on to comment on various poems by Yolanda, stating..."Several selections emphasize the notion of cultural identity such as 'A-Z Black American Poem' in which you use letters of the alphabet as a kind of anagram to define aspects of the title idea. Other poems such as 'This Thing Called Life' and 'Think About It' envision a virtual link between the earthly and the divine. Also your poem 'In The End' refers to life as a {learning experience}, from the pain normally accompanying loss to the strength that may come through faith, friendship, or family. Overall your poetry offers a designation to mark phases of journey's as well as to enlighten and provoke thought for the readers who may be following a similar path."
- March 23, 2007, Yolanda was nominated and selected as a United States of America 2007 POETRY AMBASSADOR through the International Library of Poetry.
bravenet.com