Meet Julia Burruss (Newark, Delaware)

Intimidation by another persuasion

for the discrimination and classification

Creating humiliation and deterioration

by the penetration of their interpretation

Confiscation of our consolation

and rejuvenation from our strangulation

Interrogation, litigation, migration and deportation

No justification for their classification

or clarification for their separation

Condemnation of contamination

falsification to our reputation

No gratification for our donation

to this nation’s civilization

Demonstration of determination

for domination of our situation

Limitation of habilitation

for manifestation of congregation

Summarization for this generation

lacking proper education helps their

process of elimination

About the Poet

Julia A. Burruss, affectionately known as “Jubee”, was born and raised in the City of Wilmington, Delaware with an innate gift of writing poetry and short stories. Her work has afforded her opportunities to write poems, letters, and speeches for many occasions - captivating her intended audiences.

A 1977 graduate of Pierre S. DuPont High School, she obtained her Associate’s degree in Medical Secretarial Science from Harris Careers Institute; her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Springfield College; and a Master’s of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Wilmington University.

Jubee worked as an Administrative Assistant for over twenty years and functioned as a Wedding Coordinator and Event Planner throughout the tri-state area for more than 15 years before starting her own business, Exquisite Expressions by Jubee’ -  a self-owned business specializing in event planning, bridal consultations, and coordinating weddings of various ethnic backgrounds and religions. She prides herself on playing an important role in the many lives she has touched during her field in education.

She has been honored with such titles as first runner-up in the Miss Black America of Delaware pageant and recipient of the Miss Positivity Award, as well as second runner up for Miss Black Galaxy of America. Jubee is a member of Omnia Bona Inc. - Delaware Chapter and board member, past president and instructor of the East Side Steppers Drill Team Corporation. She finds joy in praise dancing and ministering to the hearing impaired through song.

Jubee is the mother of Arricka Burruss and grand-mother of Julianna Burruss whom she refers to as her “pride” and her “joy.”

UBAWA: When did you first realize your attraction to poetry?

Jubee: As a young child I remember listening to my mom recite many jokes which sometimes appeared to be of a rhythmic nature. I began reading poems by Langston Hughes and felt such a connection to his work. From middle school to present, I have been so fascinated with the art of poetry.

UBAWA: Tell us about the very first poem you have ever written

Jubee: That had to have been somewhere in the early 60"s and sadly, I can't remember it. But I am sure it was probably somewhere along the lines of Roses are red, the sky is blue, just want you to know that I love you too. (Corny but it was a start).

UBAWA: Do you have a favorite poet? If so, who is he/she?

Jubee: There are a few that I have admired throughout the years such as Langston Hughes, Emily Dickenson, Mayo Angelo, Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe, one of our locals - Bebe Coker, and of curse William Shakespeare. All different in their writing styles, yet the emotions transmitted through their work are beyond captivating.

UBAWA: When you’re writing poetry, do you think in terms of genre?

Jubee: My moods, situations and locations generally spark my creativeness and what I'm feeling at that particular time in that particular place (in my life) is what flows from me.

UBAWA: Some people say writing poetry is like writing a rap or love song. Do you agree? Why/why not?

Jubee: In many respects, yes, I could agree with that. Poetry, rap and love songs each (in their own unique way) tell a story. There are many songs that, if just simply recited, you could find a nice, smooth and soft poetic flow to it. And on the other hand, when the words of a poem are accompanied by music, it creates a meaningful song, especially ballots

UBAWA: Are there certain styles/techniques/rules of poetry you adhere to in your writing? Tell us about your writing style.

Jubee: There are about nine different styles of poetry and I tend to write more of the rhythmic, sonnet and lyrical style poetry. I don't adhere to any specific type as I don't want to limit my way of expressing myself through my writings.

UBAWA: What poetry books have you written?

Jubee: I have recently written "Emotions under Arrest" - which, prayerfully, will be released soon.

UBAWA: Have you performed any of your poetry pieces on stage? If so, please share your experience(s) with us.

Jubee: Unfortunately no. I did, however, perform the works of other famous poets on stage.

UBAWA: What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of love?

Jubee: Honestly, God and my dad.

UBAWA: Are you currently dating someone, married, or single?

Jubee: Single

UBAWA: Do you think success is a matter of chance or a matter of choice?

Jubee: Both. One can be given many chances to become successful however, if they choose not to flow with the wind, the chance for success may not be possible. Opposing, should a person choose to take the chance, the rest could be history.

UBAWA: Inspiration for a new poem can come from the strangest places. What inspired you to write your most recent poem?

Jubee: What inspired me to write my most recent poem were the unfortunate medical mishaps I experienced in 2005. I underwent a surgical procedure that went terribly wrong causing me to go completely blind in one eye, partially blind in the other, and deaf in one ear. I suffered punctured lungs, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and the loss of my job which forced me to drop out of college. Devastating but as Maya Angelo said..."Still I Rise."

UBAWA: If you could go back and “right” any past wrong in your life, which one would it be and why?

Jubee: I think the biggest "wrong" I have ever done was not believing more in myself. I have been, on many occasions, my own worst enemy. If I could change this, I would lose my fear, find better ways to deal with my never-ending delusions of persecution, and allow more people into my life that could help benefit my growth. I’ve lived too cautiously and too suspicious of everyone.

UBAWA: When you’re not writing, what are you doing?

Jubee: Daydreaming of ways I could benefit others.

UBAWA: There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes of a poet’s life, fill us in on what one typical day for you is like.

Jubee: Currently, being on disability, not much of my days holds interest excitement or adventure.

UBAWA: If you could create the “perfect day,” what would it be like?

Jubee: As corny as it may sound, every day I am granted another opportunity to rise, is a perfect day for me. My daddy used to always say, "When morning comes and you open your eyes and realize you are on this side of the dirt, you know it's going to be a good day."

UBAWA: What do you do on the weekends?

Jubee: I mainly dedicate a lot of time on my next book.

UBAWA: Do you hang out or go to clubs?

Jubee: No.

UBAWA: If you could visit any other country in the world and take one other person with you, where would you go and who would you take?

Jubee: That's hard because I could not choose between my daughter and granddaughter and they are the ones whom I would love to experience anything like that with. My cousin who recently visited Africa said the area she visited was absolutely breathtaking. Nothing like the many pictures and stories told of that land. I'd love to go see that.

UBAWA: Tell us about one challenge in life that you had to overcome. What was the challenge and how did you get through it?

Jubee: I am still in the process of overcoming the challenge of being somewhat handicap. Learning how to live with and beyond my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual setbacks, to date, is by far, the greatest challenge I've ever faced. Going from being the first one in my family to graduate from college, working everyday as an assistant principal at a school I loved, working toward earning my JD to being completely disabled is an extremely hard challenge. But I thank GOD that HIS plan for my life will manifest.

UBAWA: Before you leave, tell us one thing about yourself that we may not know.

Jubee: I was born with Sickle Cell Anemia, I love playing Scrabble, I am one of nine children, and I enjoy the gratifying experience of working with children with at-risk behaviors (former Juvenile Probation Officer). And through it all, every day....I STILL PRASE GOD!!!!

You can reach Jubee by:

Facebook: Julia Burruss