We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cortina Jackson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cortina below.

Hi Cortina, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In July 2018, I looked at a rope that I had tested out in my closet, made a cup of coffee; and stepped out on my balcony to make a video that I felt would encourage others who were experiencing the same hurt, guilt, and shame, that I had experienced for years. After the video, I decided to take my own life. I had managed to escape a life of domestic violence which resulted in me almost being killed by my former police officer husband. Here I stood with no self-esteem, no goals, and no light at the end of the tunnel. Suddenly, I began to receive messages and emails from people who watched my video on social media and needed help. Suicide was no longer a factor, as people needed someone who understood their pain, and it was at this time that I determined I had a purpose in life. With no experience, no money, no plan for action, I decided that I would write down in a journal, everything that I wanted to be or wanted to happen for me, and I watched things from the pages manifest in my life. I took a leap of faith and thus began my journey.

Cortina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello I am Cortina Jackson, author, actress, motivational speaker, and writer! I am also a courageous survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence. Stepping out from fear and into faith, I use a dynamic blend of multimedia to empower faith-based and secular audiences, alike, with the life-changing tools and truths learned throughout my emotional and inspiring personal journey.

In 2021, I wrote, directed, and starred in my first film, a true-life story that addresses the issues of domestic violence, incest, rape, abandonment, film industry abuse, and more entitled, “Daddy.” I plan on continuing my efforts of empowering, uplifting, and proposing change to current laws concerning abuse.

“For me, domestic violence was very isolating. I hope that by sharing my story other victims will realize they are not alone and that there is life after abuse! It is time to turn trauma into fuel so that you can live your best life that was meant to unfold for you.

“I utilize my experiences as a survivor of sexual abuse and domestic violence ~ coupled with my skills and expertise as an advocate, advisor, and criminal justice expert ~ to help other victims realize their life’s purpose, unlock their true potential, and create a realistic and attainable plan for achieving unlimited success both personally and professionally.”

As a motivational speaker and mentor on topics of abuse; I helps others to realize that it is time to start winning.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I was a former criminal justice and police officer, and I was married to a police officer who eventually tried to kill me. I want women to understand that manipulation, gas lighting, and mind-control is very real and that by realizing the signs they can break the cycle of falling into the same type of relationships moving forward. In 2013, I was almost killed by my husband who attempted to break my neck. When he could not accomplish his goal, he left the room to retrieve a gun, giving me enough time to escape. I was very fortunate to get away from this situation, but starting all over again with absolutely nothing was a journey that would not be easy. I had no money, no direction, and I tormented myself day and night about my decisions in life. The day I decided to live again, I finished a book that I was working on during the abuse, I wrote a second book, I started taking classes to complete a Master’s degree. Within 2 years, I began to accomplish goals that I wasn’t qualified for, like acting, speaking, writing a movie. It was hard, there were times that I had no food, I was going to food banks, asking for assistance with rent and utilities, crying day and night, but I knew if I quit trying, that my story would end there. After all I had been through in life, quitting could not be an option. I keep my feet moving, even when I have to wipe tears away, when I am challenged, when I am lonely, and I have seen the remarkable move of God in my life; as I have accomplished everything that I was supposed to fail.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have purposed my journey to helping women who are in the state of being stuck. It is hard, when you can’t find the resources and help needed after starting over from an abusive relationship. There are moments when feelings of returning to the abuser occur. Sometimes, financially it is a hardship, emotionally it can seem like trauma bonding has set in and it is just easier to go back to what was familiar. However, once I realized my worth, and accomplished what was meant for me, I knew that going back would have been a life of mental prison, which was solitary confinement with a death sentence. I am so happy in life, the peace that I have is indescribable and my purpose is to impact whomever I can, to enjoy that journey as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cortinajackson.com
• Instagram: @misstina_thewriter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tina.jackson.733076
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinathewriter/ (Cortina Jackson)
• Twitter: @tinathewriter
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cannel/UCB7Qm25x0yzWcnUw-3oWGdg?view_as=subscriber
• Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10729040/ Black Speaker’s Network: https://blackspeakersnetwork.com/speaker-directory/?search=Cortina+Jackson&view=12&specialization=&cityaddress=&stateaddress=