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

Jemara , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

On January 22, 2024, I was discharged from the United States Air Force, bringing an almost decade-long career as an Aircraft Armament Technician to an end. Like many, the COVID-19 pandemic changed my world, and I found myself battling dependencies on alcohol and marijuana, along with severe depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In September 2022, I met my precipice, after being convicted of a DUI in a UK magistrates’ court. Things only got worse when, in June 2023, I was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison for driving with a suspended license.

While sitting in that cell, I realized I had a choice: continue down a path of substance abuse and self-destruction or take accountability and rebuild my life. It was time to wake up, confront my demons, and chart a new course. That’s when I began to find my relationship with Christ, he first introduced me to HIS voice and then showed me my own. Here is where I found my love for poetry.

After my release, life didn’t immediately get better. I lost my home, my job, thousands of dollars in legal fees, and countless people I once called friends. Eventually, I was flown halfway across the world back to Montgomery, Alabama, where I found a safe haven with my loving mother, Zelda. And did I mention? Through it all, I was pregnant with my now beautiful daughter, Grace, who was born in April 2024.

I had to make a decision. Do I go back into the corporate world? Find a regular 9-to-5 and drown in monotony, just to scrape by—feeding my family while giving the rest back to “the man” to line his pockets? Or do I take the risk? Fulfill my purpose? Use my God-given talent to share my voice, my message, and my sound with a world still crippled by the same torment and suffering that once consumed me?

No, I couldn’t settle. I had to fight. Fight for my daughter, for myself, and for everyone who has been broken—the lost, the confused, and those with voices that deserve to be heard. 2024 has been a rollercoaster, but it’s taught me two undeniable truths: I’m damn good at poetry, and I’m even better at bringing my community together.
My name is Jemara McCoy, better known as Mara Jay. I’m a Creative Arts Curator and Poetess with a passion for blending the beauty of literary arts with immersive, multi-sensory experiences. From intimate spoken word showcases to large-scale literary events, I specialize in crafting unique moments that forge deep connections between artists and audiences.

I handle every aspect of the process—theme development, artist collaboration, event design, and execution—because for me, it’s more than just an event. It’s about creating spaces where voices can be heard. Poetry has been a lifeline in my darkest moments, giving me a voice when I felt voiceless. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be—not just for the writer, but for those who listen.

Some say poetry is a fading art, but I know its power. My mission is to keep the literary arts alive and thriving—not just as a creative expression, but as a way for people to connect, heal, and grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Jemara McCoy, though many know me as Mara Jay. I’m a Creative Arts Curator, Poetess, and the founder of *Let ‘Em Speak,* a Literary Arts Organization dedicated to creating spaces where voices can be heard and stories can be shared. Our mission is to empower writers, speakers, and performers; promote literary education; foster community engagement; assist with publishing and distribution of written works; and overall advocate for the literary arts.

My journey into this field wasn’t a straight path—it was a winding road paved with challenges, self-discovery, and a deep desire to connect with others through art. Poetry and creative arts became my refuge during some of my darkest moments. Writing gave me a voice when I felt voiceless, and over time, I discovered its transformative power—not just for me, but for everyone who connected with my words. That’s when I realized I wanted to build platforms where others could share their stories and experiences.

As a Creative Arts Curator, I specialize in blending literary arts with immersive, multi-sensory experiences. Whether it’s an intimate spoken word showcase or a large-scale literary event, I craft events that inspire connection, healing, and growth. I handle every aspect of the process—from developing unique themes and collaborating with artists to designing the experience and executing it seamlessly.

I often say, *Event Coordinators are given a task; Creative Arts Curators are given an idea.* My work goes beyond entertainment—it’s about building communities and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I offer curation consultation services for individual artists, businesses, and organizations that need guidance in bringing their ideas to life. For those ready to dream big, I provide hands-on curation services where I take your thoughts and transform them into fully realized, unforgettable experiences.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend creativity with community impact. I’m not just organizing events—I’m building spaces where artists and audiences connect on a deeper level. My work is deeply personal, and I believe that authenticity resonates with people.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve turned my pain into purpose. Seeing the connections that form, the stories that are shared, and the lives that are touched through my work has been incredibly rewarding. It reminds me every day why I chose this path—and why I’ll keep curating, creating, and inspiring.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my brand and my work, it’s that it’s rooted in love, resilience, and a belief in the power of the arts to transform lives. Whether you’re an artist looking for a stage or someone seeking inspiration, my goal is to create a space where everyone feels they belong and has the opportunity to shine.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Support, support, support! We spend hundreds of dollars supporting major companies that prioritize quantity over quality. It’s time we shift that focus to our local artists and artisans—whether it’s your local painters, musicians, or even bee keepers! We work tirelessly, pouring our hearts and energy into our crafts. So, share that Instagram story, like that YouTube video, buy the artwork, listen to the music, and offer constructive feedback. Or even just show your love and appreciation. Your attention and support go a long way in helping these artists thrive!

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

MasterClass.com is home to all of my favorite artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, professors, doctors, and more. The platform allows them to share their experiences in an informative and educational way, teaching anything you want or need to learn—from writing classes to culinary lessons, and much more. While it is subscription-based, I honestly think it’s worth the investment!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Letemspeak.org
• Instagram: _letemspeak
• Youtube: @LetEmSpeak

Image Credits

Special K Media
The Square Creative Hub
Courtcobainx