Phyllis Jackson is a graduate of Savannah State University (Savannah, GA) with a BBA in Marketing and a MBA in Public Administration. Phyllis, also known as “The Elitess,” has had a passion for word imagery since 1994. It was that same year in which she wrote her first, award winning poem. Since then, Phyllis has been writing poetry that mainly focuses on the intimacy of the heart, mind, body and spirit.

How long have you been writing? I have been writing since 1994. My introduction to the artistry of poetry was given at the age of 10.

What prompted you to write Reflections of A Journey? I felt compelled to share my life’s story with others. I believe that other people are going through the same things & should know that they are not alone. I, also, needed to display my roots & growth process in my writing, after publishing my debut book “Soul Searching Confessions”.

Your alias is “The Elitess” , why was this name chosen to exemplify who you are as a writer ? Well, people often confuse my name “Elitess” with the term ‘ Elitist”. My name simply means, above average. I do not see myself as being better than anyone, but I do believe that I set myself to a higher standard of life. I make it my business to live, exemplify & deliver greatness in everything that I do. For these reasons, I have been christened as “The Elitess”, but maintain a great deal of humility towards my people.

What are some of your other projects? I have had the opportunity to be featured as an Ultra Model Role Model, which has allowed me to reach out to a new market within communities around the world. I am, also, writing monthly poems for One Entertainment Magazine. While embracing all of these great opportunities, I am working to complete my Master’s degree program & working on my third book. “As I Am: Poetic Memoires of the Soul” should be complete by the spring of 2011.

What are some of the experiences you have gone through as a young black writer? As a young African American Writer, I have experienced the challenges of self publishing ( self, promotion,editing,managing,etc) I have ,also, experienced the reluctance of acceptance by people who have not initially open to change.

What words or suggestions would you provide to inspiring writers? I would suggest that inspiring writers learn the business behind publishing, management, etc. I would also suggest that people should go for what they desire & hope for. Never let anyone stunt your growth or kill your dreams. Only you have the power to stop your progress.

What are your literary endeavors? As an author, it is my goal to become a household name. I want to share my experiences & allow them to serve as inspiration to those who are going through similar situations.

Reflections of A Journey Synopsis:
Reflections of a Journey is a compilation of poems that exhibit the trail of experiences of the Elitess, and many others. The poems in this book display the confusion, inquiries, frustrations & fantasies that evolved many of us into the women & men we are today. Reflections of a journey encompasses over 30 pieces that will take its readers on the journey of The Elitess’ life, as serve as encouragement for others to look at the things ,in their lives, that molded them.

To order Reflections of A Journey, CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the author, visit: http://ArtsofElitess.com

  The Hollywood Deception Red Carpet tour makes a stop on Peggy Eldridge-Love’s blog. I share with her readers a poem from one of my collections. Be sure to stop by and take a look around.  To access, the page go to: http://peggyeldridgelove.blogspot.com/2010/04/hollywood-deception-red-carpet-online.html

This month is poetry month and my main character Hailey Barnes is going through a lot in her life. I wrote a poem that will express some of her feelings about her relationship. Kandie Delley is also celebrating the release of her new book Curtains, so since her spot is one of my stops on the Hollywood Deception Red Carpet Tour, I thought I would share a poem I wrote.

Why don’t you check it out, by going directly to the following link: http://www.kandiedelley.com/main/2010/04/16/hollywood-deception/

This month is the official month we celebrate Black History. Some ask why do we need an entire month? Well, unfortunately, if we didn’t have the month, kids and adults would never learn about people from our rich past. We are survivors, fighters, educators, scientists, philosophers, freedom fighters, professional business men & women, athletes, entertainers, founders, inventors, etc. and yes even president.

SheliaGoss.com will be featuring women past and present that have contributed to Black History in some way or another.

We can thank Carter G Woodson for initiating what is now an official celebrated month of Black History.

Dr.Carter G. Woodson was born in 1875 in New Canton, Virginia, the son of former slaves James and Elizae Riddle Woodson. His father helped Union soldiers during the Civil War, and he moved his family to West Virginia when he heard that Huntington was building a high school for blacks. Coming from a large, poor family, Carter Woodson could not regularly attend school. Through self-instruction, Woodson mastered the fundamentals of common school subjects by age 17.

To read more about Carter G. Woodson, click here.

Today, I honor my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and the many women that came before them. Each one of these ladies made an important impact not only in my life, but in their communities through service and making a stand for justice.

I recall a story my grandfather told me about his grandmother, my great-great grandmother. She came from Africa. Made her way to the shores of America on a slave ship via Virginia. She walked from Virginia to Louisiana. Owned by the Prudes. Bred children–some she was able to keep and then there were others that were taken from her–sold into slavery just like herself.

Thanks to my mom, I was able to learn about the many contributions to Blacks in our nation, not just during Black History month, but all year through and that’s what we need to do for this new generation. Celebrate Black History daily.

Color-Free
© 2008 by Shelia M. Goss

The color of my skin shouldn’t define me
Because when I go out of this country,
American is all they see.

My Brown-sugar, Caramel, Ebony, Hershey-chocolate,
Mahogany, Mocha, Vanilla complexion
Is only an outer shell.
You have to dig Deeper,
If you want to know
What’s embedded in my mind.

My skin color might hint to my Races
Past struggles and pain,
But don’t lose the fact that we’re
Individuals and not all the same.

One day I hope we can all
Be one big happy family
In the meantime, I’ll leave a legacy
To the younger generation.

Show by example on how to get through
Life’s complications.
I will teach them how to love
Through my own interactions.

I will show them how to give
And not wait for someone’s reaction.
I will encourage them to dream and not
Let society dictate who they can be.

I will show them the benefit of believing in
Oneself, but most of all in a Higher Being.

I hope to see the manifestation of my vision
A society that’s COLOR-FREE.

For fun, answer today’s quiz question in the comment field:
Who escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849 to become the conductor of the Underground Railroad?

Harriet Beecher Stowe
Angela Davis
Harriet Tubman
Rosa Parks

A taste of CHOCOLATE

By Shelia M. Goss

Can I have a piece of that Chocolate?

Not in the sense of what you might think,

But beneath the layer is what I seek.

No I’m not looking for a Sugar Daddy;

Just a man who can keep me Happy.

Yes I like  my almond joy,

But it’s you I want to know.

So open up and let me in;

Take time to know me as your friend.

Just turn me into your Chocoholic

Make me feel like I can’t do without it.

So again I ask you,

Can I have a piece of that Chocolate?

   Thursday, June 25th will be a day I never forget. I got news that left me speechless. How do you comfort a family who lost two young loved ones in a fire–there were no words but hugs.  Although I only met Annishia (21) and her daughter Ariel (6) a few times prior to their death because of my association with their uncle, I can remember their welcoming spirits and their beautiful smiles. Their uncle loved them dearly and to see his pain and that of their parents and grandparents, filled my heart with grief.

On that same day,  we all lost the king of pop–Michael Jackson.  The impact of Michael Jackson’s death didn’t really hit me until Sunday. I guess my mind was already dealing with so much. I grew up loving Michael Jackson. I can remember me, Annette & Cordella playing a game we called the Jacksons–where we would each pretend to be one of the Jackson’s girlfriends. Of course everybody wanted to be Michael Jackson’s girlfriend. LOL

The Lord is calling us home–young–old–famous and not so famous.  If your house is not in order–its time to get it in order.

After talking to Henry in more detail about his nieces, this is what my heart led me to write.  I recited it to their mom/grandmother last night–I’m glad it uplifted her spirits.  Although I wrote this about Annisha and Ariel, it can also hold true for the fans of  Michael Jackson. I can hear Michael singing now, “Just look for me and I’ll be there.”

Don’t Worry About Us