Jennifer N. Shannon

Fiction, Literary, Photography, Poetry, Visual / Media

Most of my work is about love—its trials, its complexities, its simplicity. But it’s hard to live in this world as a Black woman (as a Black person) and not be outraged and frightened by how we are treated and perceived. That comes through in my writing. And it’s the reason I started curating exhibits about Black Joy. Through my writing, I want people to see us in the glory and light of who we are. Through my exhibits I am celebrating that glory and light through the work of others.

About the Artist

Jennifer N. Shannon has written and self-published a novel titled Silent Teardrops and two collections of poems, short stories and visual art, for the LOVE…Vol. 1 & 2. Her poetry, short stories, photography and an essay have been in exhibits, published in an anthology and featured in literary magazines such as Deep South, The Auburn Avenue and North Dakota Quarterly. The Maryland State Arts Council has awarded Jennifer with multiple grants over the past three years, including one to curate the recent six-month artist exhibition, Black Joy Is My Protest, which was showcased at Busboys and Poets in Baltimore. Also, in 2021 she attended the Hurston/Wright Foundation Writers Weekend for Fiction, was a Poetry Fellow at The Watering Hole in December of 2022 and was a 2022 Baker Artist Award Finalist for Literary Arts.

Jennifer N. Shannon website View Website

Artist's Statement

I am a child of Hip-Hop and a daughter of NeoSoul. My writing has been influenced by music just as much as if not more than by my favorite books. I've developed a rhythm in my writing as natural as a thumping beat or dope lyric. What comes through is a truth that's unmistakeable and craft that continues to grow. Writing is my passion. It's the only thing I love as much as my family—my son. It's what I do when I can't do anything else.

Featured Work

Photos

This piece captures the somber feeling of winter but also of the beauty of it.

Location: Federal Hill Park

I took this photograph while visiting my hometown of Cheraw, SC to accompany my poem "migration" which was published in "The Auburn Avenue." This photo represents a space of fleeing. The rustic look and cloudy sky gives "migration" life and tells a truth that is not always heard.

To read the poem and view the photograph visit: https://www.theauburnavenue.com/threepoemsbyjns

Sitting atop Federal Hill Park allows you to peer into the Inner Harbor in a way that is beautiful. Peaceful. This photograph shares one of those views.

Location: Federal Hill Park

I've always been drawn to art. My mother thought I'd be a visual artist based on my own drawings and paintings from high school. Ultimately writing became my passion, however, I never lost my zest for photography, painting, drawing, and all things that allowed me to create visually.

This truth is evident in each of my book cover designs that span from 2005 to 2014. While I didn't actually create each cover, I was the visionary for all three. Take a look.

This photograph and the poem are in my book "for the LOVE, short stories and poems, Vol. 1." You can purchase an autographed copy of the book by visiting, shop.jennifernshannon.com.

Location: New York, New York

This is a photo of one of Jennifer's non-fiction piece's titled Remembering that was published in North Dakota Quarterly (a print literary journal) in 2021.

Videos

REVOLT: Black Joy Still Exists, It Always Will

See more information about REVOLT: Black Joy Still Exists, It Always Will

"REVOLT: Black Joy Still Exists, It Always Will" is a virtual exhibit that I curated to showcase Black Joy, Black Love and Black Excellence. 2020 was a tough year to sit home and watch what was happening to Black people. And as a Black woman, I needed something other than the constant reminders of how cruel this country can be towards me and those who have my complexion.

This exhibit was created to bring joy and peace to those around me and to remind us that despite the forces that try to keep us in a constant state of despair, we are courageous, strong, spiritual, joyous, carefree, loving and so much more. This collection from poets, photographers and artists across the U.S., displays beauty and pride in being Black.

The featured photograph is by photographer Elijah Pittman from Maryland.

Year: 2020

Details: 2:38
"Tender" virtual reading

See more information about "Tender" virtual reading

I had three poems published in the anthology "tender, a literary anthology and book of spells: evidence." I wrote the poems while I was living in Pittsburgh, PA (2015-2018) and was able to do an in-person reading prior to the pandemic.

Here, I am sharing my three poems from the book, during our first virtual reading that was presented by White Whale Bookstore on July 24, 2020.

Year: 2020

Details: 4:22
Reading "Last Sermon"

See more information about Reading "Last Sermon"

In 2018, I had the pleasure of reading one of my previously published short stories titled "Last Sermon" in Pittsburgh, PA. It was an honor to be invited by my fellow writers from the Hour After Happy Hour writers group to present my work at their semi-annual event.

"Last Sermon" was first published in Deep South Magazine in 2015: http://deepsouthmag.com/2015/08/21/last-sermon/

Year: 2018

Details: 20:38
Enoch Pratt Light Street Writers Exchange Reading

See more information about Enoch Pratt Light Street Writers Exchange Reading

On January 25, 2021, I read several poems as part of the Enoch Pratt Light Street Writers Exchange annual reading. It was super fun and I enjoyed sharing my work with an audience of 70+ people.

Check out https://www.jennifernshannon.com/events to view the entire reading.

Year: 2021

Details: 6:58
Black Joy Is My Protest Artist Talk

See more information about Black Joy Is My Protest Artist Talk

Black Joy is My Protest is the follow-up exhibition to REVOLT: Black Joy Still Exists, It Always Will. Jennifer N. Shannon, curated the exhibit and the collection of art was on display at Busboys and Poets Baltimore from August 15, 2022 - January 28, 2023. It featured the words, photography, paintings, woodwork, music and film of 12 incredible artists. This showcase of Blackness exemplified our beauty, creativity, honesty, courage, spirituality and love.

The opening reception and artist talk was on October 11, 2022 and this video shares highlights from the event.

Year: 2022