In this edition of Meet the Philosophers, we talk with Marion Jackson about her artistic life, the joy of seeing her work published, and her unshakable love for Chicago.
Marion Payton-Rosell-Jackson
If you had to give yourself a title, what would it be?
Marion the Magnificent.
How long have you lived in Chicago?
It was 72 years on December 25, 2012. I was born in Chicago.
Tell us something about your neighborhood. Why do you live there?
I enjoy my community. There are tree-lined streets, and so many different stores in the mall. It is convenient for my transportation and shopping. My church is nearby, and so is the library. I have traveled to the Bahamas, New Mexico, Washington state, Maryland, Texas, Florida, California, Kentucky, Mississippi, Michigan, and Indiana. There is no place like my Sweet Home Chicago.
Tell us something about Chicago. Why do you live here?
As I have mentioned before, I have traveled to many places, but I prefer Chicago, Illinois?, the Windy City. Some say it is the politicians that the city is named for, and/or the high winds.
How are you affiliated with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance (NWA)?
I am sure it is over 5 years that I have been affiliated with NWA.
Why are you involved with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance?
I always loved to create and write short stories and poems and produce plays since my childhood, so when I retired it was a great opportunity and now I have the time to write. Few things are as precious and exciting as seeing my thoughts published in print to share with others!
What does NWA?s motto, ?Every Person Is a Philosopher,? mean to you?
Everyone has personal life experiences, and opinions about politics, theatre, cultural events, and travels, and creative imaginations to write and share.
What is your arts background? How has the Neighborhood Writing Alliance changed the way that you think about the writing process?
I have no formal training in expressive creative writing, I am still learning as I go along. The wonderful editors, proofreaders, workshop facilitators, and fellow writers have taught me many skills.
Tell us about a piece published in the Journal of Ordinary Thought that has spoken to you. Why did this writer?s work speak to you?
There are so many published pieces I enjoy reading. I have captured so many loving moments in the pieces I have read, I cannot name just one.
Why do you think the Journal of Ordinary Thought is important?
JOT is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to express their thoughts, and have them discussed, workshopped, edited, then published.
What?s a social justice issue on your mind right now? What is the most pressing issue in your community?
The most pressing issue in my community, to me, is to have more schools that have arts and crafts, technological studies, and music, drama, social justice, and political classes to prepare the children for future endeavors.
What else do you do? What are your hobbies and interests?
I attend Tolton Center [at the De La Salle Institute], to further my education. I attend two other writing classes. I have written my memoirs for the Goodman Theatre, I am an actress. My interest is finishing the two novels I am writing. I also take yoga, tai chi, and Zumba classes whenever possible.
What is your favorite Chicago literary venue and why?
I enjoy the Mabel Manning Library, where we read and discuss my work and others?.
Do you have a website we should link to?
I visit www.jot.org. I am kept updated with other writers and styles, and opinions of different libraries. I have made many new friends.
Anything else?
I am so proud and happy to be a part of NWA. It has made me enjoy this wonderful world of writing! I look forward to and treasure more NWA writing communications.
In keeping with the Neighborhood Writing Alliance?s motto, ?Every Person Is a Philosopher,? Meet the Philosophers is a column featuring profiles of members of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance community. Here, we survey their role in our organization and pick their brains about writing, social justice, art, and Chicago.
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