Today we’d like to introduce you to Jewel The Gem.
Hi Jewel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Brooklyn, East New York, being raised by a Haitian single mother I never imagined that I would be who I am today–I didn’t think it would ever be a reality. I dreamed about performing. I would practice with my brother and cousins. I always advocated for when others were bullied or judged. I always knew there was power in my voice but I never knew how much I could do with it. As I grew older and got into abusive relationships I truly began to lose my dreams. I lost sight of what I wanted and I became voiceless. Now I’m on the other side, a Nationally awarded activist and community organizer, host and rapper and engaged to the love of my life.
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?
I’m not close to my biological family. Luckily, I’ve built chosen family but it’s sad that I don’t have close bonds with them. I wish I could share my wins with them and ask them for advice but I know that the way I live my life and the boundaries I’ve set doesn’t align with them. I’m here to break generational curses and sometimes that means keeping those you’re related to at arm’s distance to preserve your peace. I deserve that peace, I’ve worked hard for it.
Largely due to my long and tumultuous history of intimate partner violence in Queer relationships, my PTSD will take me back to those horrific moments. I’ve found my healing path through my spirituality, supportive loved ones and therapy but it’s still something that I struggle through every day. It impacts me and many ways. It has taught me the power of taking control of my life and reclaiming my power.
I faced housing struggles where I felt very displaced and disconnected. I was kicked out of my mother’s house in Brooklyn at one of the lowest moments in my life. I only had a few dollars in my bank account even though I had a full-time job, I was trying to leave one of my long-term abusive partners. I had no choice but to return to that relationship for survival. Living in harsh conditions, surrounded by violence and neglectful housing environments I felt like things would never get better. Eventually, with a lot of saving and sacrificing I made it out of that instable housing situation and signed my first lease. Ever since then, that trauma of being kicked out haunted me. Until now that my fiancee’ purchased us a beautiful three-story home in Atlanta. I now feel stable and truly at home. It’s a beautiful feeling to have that sense of peace and groundedness every day. I’m so grateful for that.
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 specialize in the healing, education, liberation and joy for all Black people. I am most known for throwing hosting parties (@aratchetrealm), hosting talk shows (The Word with B Hawk Snipes and my own @jewelsgems_talkshow), healing events (Sunday Survivor Series), Community events like The Black Queer Freedom summit and being a cast member on The Circle Atlanta. I’m most proud of my activism that I’ve done in support of the Black Queer and Trans Community, From curating protests, rallies and vigils to having public conversations with powerhouses like Kayden Coleman and Basit–my passion is to support in uplifting their voices, stories and legacy. I’m so honored to be able to do that work. What sets me apart from others is my range. I rap, twerk, teach workshops on racism, conjure and use crystals for my healing and I’m a radical Black activist. I’m a ratchet revolutionary and there is no one else like me.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Specifically, the performance industry (hosting and performing included) is more inclusive of the Black Queer and Trans Community. More and more artists (two of my faves are miss mojo and asanni armon) are the voice of this generation. They are defying gender norms and embracing all of their fabulous sides. This shift is necessary in gender and sexuality liberation. I see the industry paying Black Queer and Trans folx more than they’ve ever have and truly getting well-deserved recognition. I’m definitely needing to see this so I’m speaking that all the way into existence because this should have always been the case.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: jewel_thegem
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010288831835
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/PC_Eva5IO4c
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1sgdeHg6o7iC5R8f4PY5KZ?si=KD0O7H5-SO6C4zHL-FM7vQ
