We recently had the chance to connect with Beloved Dillard, MDiv Poet Laureate and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Beloved, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Relocating back Metro Atlanta!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Beloved is a New York native with southern charm. A award winning author–Speak Up Sis 2023 author of year, Seg-Way International Secret Book Club 2024 author of the year, baking entrepreneur of (Beloveds Sweets) Tabitha Brown’s Very Good Monday’s Top Ten Pick! and fierce advocate for women and children overcoming CSA. Selected actress for Tyler Perry Dream Collective 2025. She launched ‘Reimagine’ to support those desiring to create anew life portfolio! An international spoken word artist and poet laureate Beloved gives life lessons via words and song. Featured poet the annual celebration for Olympian Wilma Rudolph, Tennessee Black Caucus, African American Culture Center, NC. year’s Page Turners Poet Laureate for Black Female Folklore artist, Nellie Mae Rowe Tour, Beloved was special guest of Emory University 20th Anniversary, Nights of the Revel and 2025 Host of The Decatur Book Festival Entertainment Stage!
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The ability to use my voice to move humanity forward. As a Haitian Missionary, Homeless Volunteer and former Hospice Coordinator. I gave portions of myself, however, through the vehicle of artistry I able to offer myself and my audience full capacity me!
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Over past three years I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It completely humbled my existence. Living dependably on my community taught me gratitude in a way I had never experienced. I lost my ability to speak, sing and provide financially for myself. I call it, “What l learned in the cave?
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The cave taught me to trust God explicitly, people are more than likely your best resource. Kindness and patience truly are virtues, and everyone deserves forgiveness, they just have to accept it! Lastly, one day I was praying, for my grass to be cut, walking and praying crying and I needed my grass cut. I’d given away everything, and I do me everything including my lawn more I went from 3000 square feet to a 800 square foot living space. When I heard a knock on the door it was my neighbor ( an elderly white gentleman), “I wanted to know when my son-in-law cuts my grass, can he cut yours?” For two year my grass was cut for free! Whenever I couldn’t see how ends would meet, God would whisper, “remember the grass.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
There is a powerful saying l practice. “Don’t deal with those who are given to change.” Consistency, Character and Kindness are my sustaining qualities. I am the same person everywhere I go! I don’t have two or three faces based upon whom I am with or where I am. Everyone is owed acknowledgement and respect. So yes people Beloved, is Beloved everywhere! And if you dare to embrace the effects, they’re likely to say, baby you just been Beloved,(hahaha) enjoy it and move on!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I can’t be my authentic self, l recognize l am out of alignment. Sometimes you have to take risk, not be ridiculous!
Failing forward is the best way to fail. “Get the lesson, or the lesson will get you!”
Quote from Beloved.
I stay in my lane, I am well watered garden that intends to bloom where I am planted.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Beloved Dillard
- Twitter: Beloved Dillard
- Facebook: Beloved Dillard
- Youtube: Beloved Dillard
- Other: Apple Music Sheryl Dillard song: When Fathers Worship
Image Credits
Beloved Dillard
