The Need
As Tulsa begins to move forward after the centennial commemorating the tragedy that is the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, it’s important to display how this city is moving forward as an inclusive space that honors the diversity of its community members.
This display of diversity can be shown in many ways, but one way that is most relevant for this moment is how it displays the culture of its citizens. The vehicle with the greatest impact is the arts. Creatives have a way of creating belonging within a city, as most either have an appreciation for the arts or hold some level of creativity in their own lives. The challenge creatives face is finding opportunities to share their stories, experiences, and visuals that do not match the majority. The lack of opportunities and devaluation of the arts in general but even more substantially for BIPOC creatives leave a community where a great deal of the population is denied the opportunity to truly see themselves integrated into the fabric of the community, reducing the sense of belonging. This lack of belonging leads both the creative and locals to find their belonging in other cities and states, significantly impacting the community’s economic structure.
JERICA WORTHAM
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jerica D. Wortham, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, is a renowned bestselling author, award-winning spoken word artist, and a key influencer in the realms of literature and arts. Her passion for words, both written and spoken, took root early in her life, blossoming into a career that embodies creativity and cultural impact.
In May 2012, Jerica established J’Parlé, launching a literary magazine that quickly emerged as a crucial platform for global artists, particularly for those who find their expression through writing. The mission of J’Parlé has been to ensure that every voice is given a chance to resonate, making it a hub for diverse and powerful storytelling.
2013 was a landmark year for Jerica as she ventured into hosting with the debut of J’Parlé Live, a show that highlighted her dynamic presence and versatility. Beyond the stage, she has made significant contributions, including teaching poetry to inmates in partnership with the Department of Corrections, demonstrating her belief in the transformative power of words.
Jerica's career spans several roles: author, publisher, business coach, curator, BBC Radio writer/producer, Executive Producer of the bLERDS web series, humanitarian, and philanthropist. In October 2014, she took her philanthropic efforts further by founding the J’Parlé Scholarship fund, aiding in the educational pursuits of students and adults.
In her role as Program Director for the Greenwood Art Project during the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commemoration, Jerica was instrumental in overseeing over 30 individual art projects, involving more than 100 artists. Her artistic talents were also showcased in the leading single "Shining" for the Motown signed project, Fire in Little Africa, and she was featured in the OWN Network's two-part docuseries "The Legacy of Black Wall Street" in 2021, further solidifying her prominence in the arts.
Jerica is the visionary behind the Parla Creative Festival, a citywide public art initiative championing BIPOC creatives. This includes the (B)light Project, which artistically revitalizes blighted homes, and various community programs that celebrate diverse creative disciplines. Additionally, she is committed to community enrichment through a community garden and an after-school program for adolescents and teens.
Her accolades are extensive, including multiple Poetry Slam Championships, features in the New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine, being named the 2020 Black Wall Street Spoken Word Artist of the Year, and receiving the YWCA’s 2021 Woman of the Year, Pinnacle Award for Arts and Humanity. She's curated art for Wilson's athletic brand, orchestrated the PGA Tour art experience, and recently, was honored as the 2022 Boomtown Awards Legacy Award recipient from TYPROS.
Jerica's future plans include further developing platforms for artists in her community. Outside of her professional pursuits, she finds joy in life with her husband, Webster, and their two sons, Solomon and Jonah, striking a perfect balance between a rich career and a fulfilling personal life.
