Talking with her was like talking to a sister or a best friend, a person with too much wisdom to be so young. Someone with so much to offer to us all. Our conversation is one that will stick with me for a while. She gives off so much light and powerful energy. She made me feel even more proud to be a woman. She is strength and faith.
Jazmine Moore is a 24-year-old author, poet, student, and leader. Originally from Memphis, TN, Jazmine moved to Louisville, KY at the age of eleven with her mother, father, and three siblings. Jazmine obtained her bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Louisville and is now working to acquire her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL. She plans to stay until she obtains her PhD. Jazmine is in the process of founding her own organization as well writing and publishing her first book which she plans to release with visuals. Like many of us, Jazmine has had life experiences that have made it hard to keep going, but her faith and love kept her alive and on a path to help others.
During her freshman year, Jazmine was raped in her college dorm. This was her first sexual encounter and it affected her deeply. That night, she vowed to never tell anyone about the incident. Though they attended the same university, Jazmine did what she could to avoid and ignore her attacker. Because of this, he decided to spread terrible lies and rumors about her. On top of having to deal with the rape, Jazmine was forced to deal with bullying and verbal abuse. Despite telling her coach what had transpired, Jazmine was kicked off of the track team for missing too much practice. After her family couldn’t help but notice that something was wrong, Jazmine was forced to talk to them about what she had gone through. Jazmine then reported the rape which for her, was almost worse than the incident itself. She had to deal with victim-blaming and telling her story to people who didn’t really want to help her. She was too often faced with questions about what she was wearing, why she was alone with a boy, or why she didn’t try to fight. Why anyone would ask a rape victim these questions is beyond me, but it happens. Jazmine was no longer herself and dealt with depression for three years after she was raped, and in April 2014 was submitted to the hospital for attempted suicide. At that point, her life began to shift. She made a decision: to no longer continue a cycle of self-destruction or hurt the loved ones around her. She decided to start a new journey, a journey about learning and loving who she is.
“I’m at a point in my life where everything that comes from me is love, is happy, it’s moving forward. It’s pushing even when I may not feel like I can push.”
Jazmine is love, more than anything, know that. Because of some of her life experiences, she spent many years resentful and angry. When she realized that her sadness not only hurt her but also the people who love her, it gave her the strength to rebuild and learn to love herself again. Though she still has her tough days, her hardships have taught her to be strong and that strength has allowed her to teach her younger siblings that when you go through something tough and you feel like you can’t go on, know that it’ll get better. She says that now, “I’m at a point in my life to where everything that comes from me is love, is happy, it’s moving forward. It’s pushing even when I may not feel like I can push.” The love that she has and speaks of, is the living, moving force behind her projects and daily interactions with people. It is what attracted me to her. Jazmine is love.
Jazmine has been writing since she was a little girl. After entering college, she sparked an interest with poetry and since then it’s been something that she has connected with. For her, poetry is healing and therapeutic. The inspiration behind her own brand of poetry is her past relationships and heartbreaks, as well as up incoming poet, Reyna Biddy. Her mother and sister have too been great motivators and supporters of her. Though she writes about heartache and pain, her poetry doesn’t neglect the importance of self-love and the happiness it brings. She admits that the message she hopes to send comes from a feminine point of view but adds that those who do not classify as feminine will still be able to gain from it. The message being “You are not alone in this love process, don’t be afraid to fall in and out of love. But, fall in love with yourself before trying to give to other people.”
“You are not alone in this love process, don’t be afraid to fall in and out of love. But, fall in love with yourself before trying to give to other people.”
Currently, Jazmine is working on her first book titled, IV.XVI.IV, which will be released with visuals. The project compares love with the earth’s seasons, being that they both change so much. Each poem contains a visual and they meet at a mutual end point which is self-love. The visual will contain black women and men. She hopes to portray the softer and more emotional side of black men that is frequently thought and taught to be non-existent. I don’t want to let out too many details, but be on the look out for the project as it will be something worth the read.
Jazmine is also working on founding an organization titled C.H.A.N.G.E. (Creating Hope and Awareness is Necessary for Girl Empowerment). The organization will educate and mentor middle school aged young ladies and older. Jazmine’s organization will educate youth on Rape, Domestic Violence, and also teach Sex Education. Jazmine states that “black women are forced by society, jobs, and everything else, to assimilate to someone else’s standards. Causing lots of insecurities and [make them] feel unsure as to how to act.” She adds that frequently, black women find themselves changing little things like outfits or hair just to “fit-in” with the mainstream, it has become a challenge for black women to voice disagreement and sometimes even their opinions without coming across as the “mad black woman.” Jazmine’s conclusion and resolution to these problems is black women learning to be okay with every single part of themselves.
“I had that love for myself that I didn’t need from someone else.”
I think that Jazmine and I used the word love over a thousand times in this interview but it was and has been a major role in the steps she’s taken to better herself. She stresses the importance of knowing who you are before trying to rush into a relationship. After taking a break from unhealthy relationships, she took the necessary time to be alone and hang out with herself to learn and understand the things that make her happy. Saying, “I had that love for myself that I didn’t need from someone else.” Taking the time out to make yourself a priority is important and doesn’t happen over night, it takes effort whether you’re in or out of a relationship. She recommends taking one day out of every week to reflect on the things that you love about yourself and to remember to speak positively. Gossiping and talking about others shows that you don’t love who you are. Do whatever it takes to build and protect your self-love.
“If you are uninformed, you’re a cop out. It’s 2016 and if you’re grown you should take the time out to know about it.” This was Jazmine’s response to being asked about people who don’t know enough about rape in today’s world. She believes that enough people aren’t informed about the dangers of rape or domestic violence in relationships. The men and women who are victims to these offenses are not weak but are in a psychological cycle that is not easy to get out of. Don’t be a cop out, educate yourself, your peers, and your children on these issues. So many people are unnecessary victims and offenders to these crimes. These are cycles that we can help put an end to.
“I want to touch as many people as I can as long as I’m living.”
Jazmine Moore is a vibrant young person who hopes to help as many people as she can. Her story is one that is not even about her, but about what she can do to help others. She spoke with me about the homeless people whom she has come into contact with and befriended since living in Chicago, whether it was while tutoring them or just walking to school. Jazmine made it clear that her main goal is, “changing as many lives as I can. I want touch as many people as I can as long as I’m living.” For right now her big focus is obviously her studies but in the meantime she has high expectations for her organization, C.H.A.N.G.E.. After completing school she hopes to open up her own practice and to build and develop homeless shelters that have adequate resources and that are actually livable. She does things because her heart tells her to do so, not for a resume boost or to be recognized for it. Jazmine is so so so much LOVE! ❤️ Be on the lookout for her new book which has not yet been released. To keep up with her, add her on social media.
Instagram: @jazmoore_
Twitter: @jaz10141
