10 Questions with Author, Advocate, Community Activist and Radio Talk Show Host at KLEK 102.5 FM Qubilah Jones

Qubilah Jones is a 41 year old, divorced mother of 20-year-old son. She graduated high school in Marianna, AR in 1995 and started college at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR the same year. After many starts and stops, Qubilah is working on finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She will move on to getting an MPA for Non Profit Management.
In between her starts and stops of seeking a college degree, Qubilah attended Arkansas Academy of Hair Design and became a Licensed Manicurist in 2013.  Qubilah is the author of the poetry books, The Queen Collection and Spiritually Lyrical with many more projects in the works.
Along with seeking to finish her degree, Qubilah is the host of the morning radio talk show called, “Community Conversations” which airs on KLEK 102.5 FM Monday-Friday from 9-10 am CST. 
Favorite Quote(s):
We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society --- Angela Davis 
To understand how any society functions you must understand the relationship between the men and the women --- Angela Davis 
 What brings you the greatest joy?
1. When I know I put my best effort forward and had a successful outcome to whatever the project was
2. When I get the opportunity to do something for someone and they were not expecting it. My joy comes from seeing them filled with joy.
What motivates you?
      The desire to make a difference in the world. I want to use my life and story to incite change and spark a renewed sense of self in everyone I meet, especially young girls between the ages 12-18. I do not want my success to just be defined by having a large bank account or by being famous, but by making a real difference in the world.
What is the best advice you've been given?
     The advice was, don’t look at where you are and what you can’t do. Seek God for your desires while working within your current capabilities. This is a paraphrased version of the way it was given to me.
  What accomplishment are you most proud of?
             If I had to pick one, I would say getting my first book of poetry published. I say that because I have been writing since I was about 14. I have written many pieces and performed mainly in churches. However, to actually organize and edit my work and to go through the process of getting it published and sold was a huge step for me.
  What are some things you wish you knew when you were younger?
         I wish I knew it was okay to love my body, no matter what shape and size it was as long as I was eating properly, exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I also wish I had known that I wasn’t ready for sex and love at the age of 15. Last, but definitely not least, I wish I had known what was happening to me was preparing me for the woman I am to become.
    What is on your bookshelf?
      I have many books from local authors that are also my friends and some that were guest on my talk show. I have a few books that were gifts. There’s one by Nikki Giovanni, Bicycles: Love Poems. Another by Angela Davis, Women, Culture, Politics. Then there are quite a few meditations, inspirational books with scriptures and a message geared towards women. I have plenty to keep me busy.
    If you could talk to three people, who would they be and why?
 1. India Arie: I would talk to her because her music along with other neo-soul artist set me on the path to get more serious about my writing and start putting more of the deeper, darker and emotional parts of me in my poetry. I would like her to help me dig even deeper. I know there is so much more in my soul that has yet to be revealed. I want to stop being afraid of exposing myself, living in my truth.

2. Angela Davis: While I may not be as radical and fearless as she is, I know some aspect of those traits live within me. Again going back to person #1, I want to start stirring up my soul so that I can become a more effective advocate for change.  

3. Sojourner Truth: I would love to get her perspective on life during slavery. My purpose being that I want to develop a deeper connection with my ancestors and hear the real stories beyond the history books and self-motivated documentaries. I want to hear the good, bad and ugly stories. I would love to tell her those two years after her death, slavery was officially abolished. I would to share how blacks in America have lived since that time.
    What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
This question made me chuckle. I think people will be very surprised that under this neo-soul, hippie chic soul lives a slightly ratchet version of me that loves what I call booty music. My love for this music goes back to the 90’s when 2 Live Crew, 95 South and many others from the So So Def family came on the scene. She stays hidden for the most part but when I am home alone and feeling hype, I crank up Spotify and get my boogie on.
   Do you have any advice you would like to leave with the reader?
One piece of advice I would like to leave is, “Find a few things you are passionate about and find a way to turn them into a career and/or a way to connect with your community. Do not start out seeking to get rich or you will burn out very quickly. Seek to perfect your skills, display your work throughout a few non-paid avenues and offer a few pro bono services. Over time, you will build valuable, life-long connections that will lead to the big payout. While you are going through the process, do not watch the clock or calendar or even dare to compare others success to your seemingly lack thereof.”
Contact Information and website/or social media
Facebook: Qubilah Jones
Instagram: @thepinkqueenq
Twitter: @ThePinkQueenQ
LinkedIn: Qubilah (Harden) Jones