Terri L. Jewell facts for kids

Terri Lynn Jewell (born October 4, 1954 – died November 26, 1995) was an American author, poet, and activist for Black women's rights. She edited a well-known book called The Black Woman’s Gumbo Ya-Ya. This book won the New York City Library Young Persons Reading Award in 1994.

Early Life and Education

Terri Jewell was born in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the only daughter of Mildred and Miller LaRue Jewell, Jr. She also had a half-brother named Marcus Tandy.

In 1968, when she was young, Terri won first prize in an essay contest. This contest was about Negro History and was held in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jewell first studied biology at the University of Louisville. Later, she moved to Montclair State College in New Jersey. She graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in health education.

While in college, Jewell became very involved in the women's rights movement. She joined marches and readings that focused on important issues for women. She wrote about her personal journey in her 1990 article, “A Short Account of My Behavior.”

Writing Career

Terri Jewell's poems and essays were published widely. They appeared in over three hundred different publications. These included magazines and journals in the United States and other countries. Some of these publications were The African-American Review, The Black Scholar, Black Maria, Body Politic, Calyx, Common Lives/Lesbian Lives, Kalliope, The Lavender Letter, Obsidian II, OutWeek, Poetry Detroit, Sing Heavenly Muse, Sisterlode, Spare Rib, and Sinister Wisdom.

In 1993, Jewell was one of the first writers to publish a biography. She also wrote a critical essay about the famous writer Sapphire.

Around 1989 or 1990, Jewell interviewed Ruth Ellis. Ruth Ellis was an African-American woman known for being one of the oldest openly gay individuals. This interview was for a book called Piece of My Heart: A Lesbian of Colour Anthology.

Published Works

Terri L. Jewell wrote several books. She also had her poems and essays included in many other collections.

Jewell's poems and essays were also published in other books and journals, including:

• "Barbara Smith and Kitchen Table Women of Color Press" in Hot Wire: The Journal of Women's Music and Culture (May 1990), pages 20–22,58.
• "Investment of Worth" (poem) in When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple (1991), page 76.
• "Spiderplant" (poem) in If I Had My Life to Live Over, I Would Pick More Daisies (1992), page 48.

Awards and Recognition

Terri Jewell received several awards for her work. These honors recognized her contributions to poetry and the community.

• The Prism Award (1994) for her work in the gay and lesbian community in Lansing, Michigan.
• The National Women's Music Festival and Writers Conference Board of Directors Award (1990).
• The American Society for Aging Poetry Competition (1988).
• The Michigan "New Voices" State Poetry Competition (1986).
• The Kentucky Poetry Society Competition (1983).

Later Life and Legacy

Terri Jewell passed away on November 26, 1995. Her body was found in a Michigan park.

In 1993, the Arts Foundations of Michigan gave Jewell a grant. This money was to help her write new poems about the African American poet and activist James Baldwin. Her friend and author Lev Raphael said she was close to a big breakthrough with these poems. Sadly, her collection of poems about Baldwin was not published before she died.

At the time of her death, Jewell was also working on editing a book called Dreadsisters, Lock-Sisters. This book was a collection of writings by and about women with dreadlocks. She was also an active member of the editorial board for The Lesbian Review of Books.

Archived Materials

Terri L. Jewell's papers are kept at Michigan State University. These papers include her poetry, notes, reviews, interviews, research, photos, and letters. The collection helps people learn more about her life and work.

Influence on Others

Terri Jewell inspired many other writers and artists.

• Amber L. Katherine, a writer, shared her ideas for a project with Jewell. Katherine said Jewell was very encouraging. She felt Jewell's support was important because she admired Jewell's work.
• Valerie Jean, an African American poet, wrote about her letters with Jewell. She said Jewell's death deeply affected her own writing and life. Both writers admired the poet Audre Lorde.
• Lisa C. Moore, who started RedBone Press, dedicated a book to Terri Jewell. She wrote that Jewell "lit a fire in my heart and under my butt and kept me going."

In 2018, a spoken word group called Voices of the Revolution celebrated Jewell's work. They honored her along with other powerful women writers like Pat Parker and June Jordan. This event took place at the 33rd Annual Women in the Arts Festival.

In 2019, Su Penn led a discussion about Terri Jewell's life. This was part of the 34th Annual Women in the Arts Festival.

See also

• List of feminist poets