Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Crisp
Hi Jasmine, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As the granddaughter of the famous writer/screenwriter Eric Monte who grew up in the notorious Cabrini Greens Housing projects in Chicago (portrayed in his works, tv shows and film, Good Times and Cooley High). Growing up in the hood, on the southside of Chicago, I strongly related to his works and experienced my own share of traumas that being raised in the hood brings. After my boyfriend was murdered due to gun violence, I suffered with severe PTSD, Depression and Anxiety. However, I found healing through my poetry and animals. Animals, poetry and my love of the arts, eased that struggle and were outlets for my pain. I discovered in high school that I loved writing and reciting poetry. Continuing to recite poetry, inspired me to write the book, The Flower Who Turned Pain Into Peace. A first ever Poetry Novel that has interactive pages. In addition, while writing my book, I was also a mother in need, being homeless with 2 children (5 years and 6month old). It was during this time that I was introduced to a family farm, and I watched how my children, as well as myself, reacted to the animals. It was then that I had an epiphany and begin to realize and learn how my black people are far removed from this space of animal welfare and agriculture. That the knowledge of both, aren’t taught in our schools. That most of our children in underserved communities don’t have pets, so they miss that opportunity and element of compassion and connecting. Through this journey and out of this experience, I started the Love for Animals Outreach, providing resources for families and their pets. We give at least 2 months of food away at a time, provide services, toys, and accessories, we attend schools and host events, we place fish tanks in classrooms, and build bird houses with the children, we rehome pets and help with their fostering and adoption. Most importantly we educate children on animal welfare, care, responsibility and knowledge of safety. We bridge the gap and start the connection of children and animals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but it has been a learning journey. I revisit my Why’s a LOT, and I’ve learned that with everything that’s worth having, the struggle makes it more valuable. The biggest challenge was in not losing faith, and not losing hope, but continuing to push through and fight for what you really want, and truly believe in what you’re doing. Another challenge was investing my hard-earned paycheck into everything when things were tight, and balancing it all on minimum funding. But doing so, allowed me to not only grow, but to become self-funded and self-published, and by the glory of GOD, I was able to raise money to help my organization to survive and thrive. GOD has prepared my steps, and has sent mentors, grants, scholarships, motivators to help me keep going. I realized being obedient to what God called me to be, a poet, an author, a founder, a mother, a daughter, granddaughter, sibling, cousin and friend, but more so his child … is the true measure of my success.
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 would say I’m most proud of my sons. Seeing me struggle and in abusive relationships, they still respect me and love me. That’s MAJOR and so, so precious to me! They have come into their own with their personalities and skill sets, and have so many accomplishments. They are well-rounded, healthy and stable young men, and they are my heart and my inspiration to keep going and reach for the stars! And, I’m most proud of them. I’m so proud of my grandfather and his many amazing accomplishments in the film industry and the contributions he has made! He is a legacy! I am also, very proud of my mother, who is a strong black woman and have set an example for me as a woman and mother. She is an example of staying in the fight and never giving up! She’s the matriarch that nurtures the healing of our family, and now heads EMP Eric Monte Production Company; which we are currently crowdfunding for his documentary. And I’m very proud of my growth in GOD and how he has molded me into the woman I am today and for guiding me in making wise decisions. Guiding me as an author and then to become the first in the family to have a non-profit, that been recognized nationally by National Humane Society as a black woman. I’m pretty amazed at my journey and how far I have come as a person.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite memory is growing up in Chicago, in a regular 2-parent home with a big play house in the backyard and having all of our friends over, water fights, sleepovers, birthday parties (that my mom was always throwing lol). The parks, swimming pools, getting dunked, going to magic photos with the girls, going to juke parties and just having a good time growing up with no violence. That is until divorce, a 1-parent household, and moving to the hood happened…that’s when my struggle began.
Pricing:
- https://linktr.ee/loveforanimalsoutreach
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/eric-monte-official-help-preserve-his-legacy-donate-today?attribution_id=sl:8ca36a11-7f91-4b49-a1a6-08753d81e13b&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_t2&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveforanimalsoutreach.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love4paws404/?locale=zh-hans&hl=af
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveforanimalsoutreach
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/R27zq5EjIOo
- Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/ericmonteofficial/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/loveforanimalsoutreach
