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Caption: “The ability to express myself across multiple mediums is my birthright.”
by Zaire Saunders
One could argue that Black artistry, the beating drum that propels us forward through each crisis, is rooted in our oppression. The very blues we sing and croon out are moans for love and company we’ve lost, regained, redefined and redistributed out for 400 years. But I don’t subscribe to such ideas. Instead of our self-expression having the starting and end point of misery as the root of our passion – I opt for the belief that it is our very humanness that allows us to craft great works of art and culture.
Folk like Robbie Jackson, our ad manager, are pillars to the idea of Black beauty. A jack of all trades when it comes to self expression, dignity and Black joy, Jackson has carried over those qualities into our newsroom. Charming, funny, hardworking and packed with talent is our good cousin from the South: Robbie Jackson. Check her out.
Zaire Saunders: I understand that you came from Florida before moving here (Bay Area). Can you tell us about that move? Why did you move and what might have you learned since coming to California?
Robbie Jackson: My husband was fresh out of the military and just finished a contract overseas. I had followed him to each location. It was the end of 2017 and he had a couple options. He had an opportunity in Atlanta, DC and Concord, CA. I remember he looked at me and said: “you choose. We’ve been all around the world. It’s your turn to choose.” And I chose California.
I remember that moment being one of the sweetest things he’s ever done and one of the best decisions I ever made.
Zaire Saunders: Because I – as well as both of my parents – was born and raised in southern california, our southern ties have been severed; albeit just two generations removed. So what does being from the south mean to you? Would you say that heritage is etched within the work you do now in California?
Robbie Jackson: I am the South. The way I walk. The way I talk. The way I vibe and create. So that’s etched in my work regardless of when and where. I think the biggest takeaway from being from the south and moving to California was that I opened my eyes to the possibility. The world got bigger when I moved to Cali. More seemed so attainable.
Zaire Saunders: What brought you into writing? Who stands out to you in the literary world?
Robbie Jackson: The ability to express myself across multiple mediums is my birthright. It’s a generational blessing in my tribe. Writing, public speaking, singing etc is something I have done from the moment I have been able to. Writing lyrics, poems and short stories have always been something I’m good at.
Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis all standout to me the most. I love Langston Hughes and James Baldwin. Marc Lamont Hill also stands out. I think entering the journalism portion of the writing world is a natural progression for me. It’s allowing me to flex that intellectual muscle more. And I love that for me.
Zaire Saunders: Do you have any prior work done in writing? Have you published anything before? If so, where might we be able to find your work?
Robbie Jackson: I recently published my book “Colored Intentions.” It’s a poem book inspired by real life. I dedicated it to my niece. She taught me that life isn’t just black and white. One’s intentions and the end result of their actions can be two different things.
Zaire Saunders: Are there any other creative passions you have?
Robbie Jackson: I love to sing, It is my weapon of choice when in battle. It’s what I do best.
Zaire Saunders: Are there any other themes you tackle in your work that ties directly to Black personhood?
Robbie Jackson: All I write about is Black stuff. I love to write about positive things going on in the neighborhood. I’m coming with the stories that give you butterflies and hope. I want people to feel good after reading my articles. I want them to feel me.
Zaire Saunders: What made you want to work with the SF Bay View newspaper?
Robbie Jackson:I just want to be a part of something that’s bigger than me. I think everyone plays a role in the forward progression of the Black community. Some will be on the front line. Some will be in offices. Some will use their wealth. Some will use their time. I will use my words. I will use my gifts to push that line forward. It’s what I do.
Zaire Saunders: Where can we find you online?
Robbie Jackson: My IG is marisha_ashanti. I’m also on all major streaming platforms: YouTube, Apple music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora and Tidal under the name Marisha Ashanti. God is good.
Zaire Saunders is the copy editor and reporter for the SF Bay View Community Journalism Program, which is funded by the California State Library.
