Tish Jones

Mega thankful to the homie, Sean, for having Queen Drea, PaviElle French, and I, on Jazz 88 yesterday to discuss our sisterhood, the courage it takes to stand for something, and the spirit of Juneteenth. Listen in for a quick grounding around the holiday. https://www.jazz88.fm/2024/06/14/queen-drea-pavielle-and-tish-jones-celebrate-their-decades-long-bond-and-prepare-for-a-juneteenth-celebration/

For the last six weeks, I have had the honor and privilege of facilitating the first ever, Nothando Zulu Storytelling Institute session on “Spoken Word, Storytelling, and Black Aesthetics.”

I can’t begin to describe how much of an honor it is to have been identified as someone to carry forth ancestor Nothando Zulu’s legacy. Particularly, as someone who sat at her feet myself, to learn the ways of the griot. But that’s not all that made this space special— the people you see pictured, made this room electrifying each week. They brought a joy, eagerness to learn, and hunger for authentically Black stories and storytelling techniques/attributes that made the room swell with creativity and kinship each week. It was truly an honor to participate in this Institute.

I want to thank those photographed here and those who attended, but were not captured in this moment. Thank you all for giving me me fuel, a sense of family, and inspiration to continue teaching, learning, and practicing this art form. Asé.

For any teaching related inquiries, please email [email protected]

Creative Mornings was a great way to kick off the month. Thanks to all who chose to wake up early and share space with me. ☺️

Next up is a Juneteenth celebration at MIA with my sisters, PaviElle and Queen, on June 20th at 5:00p. Save the date and pop out as we honor the history of Black liberation, Black Music Month, and ourselves. ❤️🖤💚

I am excited to wake up early and discuss my experience as an artist and cultural producer in the Twin Cities tomorrow at The Hollywood Theater as part of Creative Mornings. If you’re around - or interested - head to their website to reserve your seat and start your day with some coffee and a dope exchange! 8:30a talk and the entrance is free with light refreshments and what not. �

https://creativemornings.com/talks/tish-jones

En Cuba. 📸: Me.

Now booking for summer 2024. Holla at me via www.tishjonespoet.com

Also: it’s — go after yours! 🔥🔥🔥

***r

New headshot. Whatchu think? New sh*t on the horizon too. Join the newsletter for exclusive access to content— early! Link in bio but for ease, head to tishjonespoet.com ✊🏾🖤

📸: by the incomparable

1,2,4,5 for the algo - 3 is for the people. The Jerome Hill Fellowship Application is now open and as a past recipient, I strongly encourage artists to apply. This type of investment in your practice is game changing. Happy to support, review, and provide feedback on applications too. Use the link in my bio to book a consultation either directly through my website or Springboard for the Arts— either way, let’s get to it.

What yall got going on in 2024 that I can support, just by pulling up?

Views from the 6.

Kwanzaa Celebration tomorrow. Booking for Spring Quarter and a few open spaces in Q1. Hit the website: www.tishjonespoet.com

coming in after midnight I wanted to drop something in honor of the cypher and how invigorating extemporaneous expression is. Been at it, get wit it.

for the next few or so days, my reflections are going to pivot into reflections on the elements and aspects of the culture that made/make it what it was/is. Today, I’m reflecting on how important Joy was to the creation of Hip Hop— happiness really. So: a smile.😁

because I am in the tradition. Jeezy’s president was Black, Jesse had an anthem, Jay told us to kick shots for Barack Obama, and I wrote a poem charging us to remember how hard our ancestors fought for our right to vote. Our culture inspires change.

the scene lost a legend. Andre Debonaire McNeal. Rest in Power.

one of the things I’m most grateful for is to have met so many people who have paved the way for Hip Hop culture, Black people, Black liberation, and Black life, through my arts practice. Such a joy.

I was brought up to understand the most important element of to be KNOWLEDGE OF SELF so today’s post is dedicated to and the babies of the Hip Hop generation w/Hip Hop sensibilities, who learn best via culturally relevant pedagogy. I’m honored to have been given game, then to have been given the blessing to reciprocate in the field.

Slide one was one of my favorite classes, Black Voices at Washburn High. I taught that course for 2 semesters, I think. ‘Twas the illest. Slide two just shows the continuum— a mentor of mine speaking on me working with his daughter. Wow. Slide 3 & 4 represents my role in convening folks to discuss and celebrate the culture on anniversary this past August.

Who taught you about Hip Hop?

One thing that I value about Hip Hop is the relationship it has to place based memory. We all have our spots— my OGs say The Quest or Arnella’s, etc. - one of my spots was Intermedia Arts. We didn’t just present work in that space we created it. What’s your spot?

the people in this photo are genuinely some of the most talented human beings that I have ever met. Their respective genres, styles, lens’, backgrounds, experiences, etc. are all a part of the stew that brewed the culture. I am so honored to play with each of them whenever I do. I am thankful for the way Black music has stretched over time, expanded my ear, and influenced my tongue. This was from an improv session, yea? In like 2016 maybe? Help me out squad!!!!

This joint is from Requiem for a Homegirl created by the amazingly brilliant Leah Nelson (c). Kenna (l) and I been down since been down. Excited to start this 30-day reflection with a flick of myself with two humans that I deeply love and adore.

Thankful to Voyage Minnesota for shining a light in my direction. 😊

Check Out Tish Jones’ Story - Voyage Minnesota Magazine Today we’d like to introduce you to Tish Jones. Tish JonesSet featured image Hi Tish, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. My story begins with my ancestors. I am a child of Black resilience, bravery, and innovation. A surviving descendant of the Black...

Entering into my Black August ritual, which includes refraining from social media (for me) for the month. I’ll be outside doing the good work tho:

8/1 — U OF M Minneapolis, Keynote
8/3 — Walker Art Center, Reading
8/10 — Re-Verb Open Mic
8/11 — “50th Anniversary Celebration of Hip Hop” powered by TruArtSpeaks held at The Loft Literary Center
8/30 — U of M Northrop Performance “The Cypher” curated by Tish Jones on behalf of TruArtSpeaks

See you there or in the streets. Until September or so. Much love. ✊🏾