Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jaila Moore. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Jaila thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
In 2023, I was chosen as a fellow for the Texas Lyceum, representing Texas Southern University. As a student in my Masters of Public Administration program and a poet, I conducted research on the impact and importance of arts, specifically poetry, in developing and preserving humanity. Throughout the research I noticed how poetry was used to express feelings of love, hardship or even just spread joy. I saw how throughout history it was a tool to educate, empower and unite people. I spoke to people about their relationship with poetry, traveled to a school in Ghana and watched children perform their own poems in multiple languages, and read poems from all eras. When I finally presented my research, I also performed an original piece and it was the first time a fellow ever recieved a standing ovation for their research presentation. I presented in front of researchers, policy makers and lobbyist who question the urgency of prioritizing and protecting art in education. As a part of my research my poem was included, which was the first time my art had been published. The entire experienced shaped me as an artist because I know that what I create can and does impact people. It shaped me as a poet because it strengthened the quality of my writing. It shaped me as a person because I understood my purpose and was living in it, in real time.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a poet who uses her platform to inspire individuality and unity all at once. I encourage people to live and operate in their daily lives with pride in who they are and showing confidence in their own existence. Growing up in St.Louis, MO, I have seen how poverty, lack of education, health disparities, and social constructs can destroy people. Living in Houston, TX, I saw how it can divide people too. My hope is that people see and hear my words and feel motivated to be themselves and begin to facilitate spaces where others (no matter the differences) can do the same. I want to show people that we all have a place in this world and connect us to each other.
I chose my stage name, Madame Precedent, because I want to be the example and set the tone for how we show up for ourselves and others in this world. It’s also a play on “Madam President” which is a title I wish to one day have. I plan to run for president of the United States in 2044 and I am currently using my talents and connections to build rapport with my community, to educate and be educated by my community and to serve and satisfy their needs. Each time people come to see me perform a poem, give a speech, lead a presentation, etc. I refer to it as a stop on the campaign trail.
I modeled my platform as a campaign trail cognizant that people are very uncomfortable discussing politics. I am aware that working through differences can be difficult and isn’t always a pleasurable experience but art, specifically poetry and literature, has historically been the best way we can work through those differences and build perspective that helps us unify. My poetry doesn’t always discuss specific policy and political news however it is about every day life and I share my perspective on the things that many every day Americans have experience with. On my website, MP2044.com, people book me to perform or speak to all kinds of demographics so no matter the topic of the poem, I have a chance to relate in a beautiful way to so many groups. They also support by purchasing merchandise such as buttons, t-shirts, hoodies, etc. I even create custom merchandise that is hand designed by me and sustainable. Clients give me an old pair or jeans or a jacket and I upcycle it according to their style and personality. They’re expressing themselves and saving the planet while doing it and that is just as political as elections and policy.
I’m most proud of sparking relationships between people, encouraging others to express their own perspectives and showing the beauty in how we even developed our point of views. I want to prove that we all deserve care and protection. I want people to understand how much we need each other and that we all deserve human rights and equitable opportunities. I want to be a common thread between people and hold us tight. I can and will continue to do that with poetry.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to unite, enrich and empower people. I hope to share my experiences to show people the beauty in the greatest juxtaposition of mankind; we are all alike because we are all different. Campaign trails should be about getting people to know you and what you stand for so I use my platform to make sure people understand how differences don’t have to divide us through invoking insightful and informed conversations. I take the controversy out of controversial topics on each stop of the campaign trail. Knowledge is power and knowing more about each other makes us better people and unity makes us even stronger. I keep that in mind when writing my pieces. When I’m performing my pieces, I want to people to feel seen, believe that they matter and be confident in who they are and what they’ve been through. So I model it, I show people what it means to believe in myself when I conquer the world’s biggest fear, public speaking. I show them when I wear outfits that I’ve designed myself. I show them when I serve people who don’t like what I believe in or even understand what I believe in. That’s how we build a place we want to live in and I want to be a part of that.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I was told to never work for free because nothing in this world is free. I do not believe that now. As an artist, what I create is valuable and yes I should and do charge for services. However, I should not and do not let that lead my choices as an artist or business woman. I had to find the balance in when and how to charge to create custom poems/merchandise or booking fees for speaking engagements. I have to be careful to not exploit myself in an attempt to meet societal pressure to capitalize on every single final opportunity. Art is sacred and powerful and access shouldn’t solely rely on finances.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mp2044.com
- Instagram: MadamePrecedent
- Facebook: Jai Moore
- Linkedin: Jaila Moore
Image Credits
Odyssey of Wolves
Virgo Blu Photography