Aya Collective Publishing

Tell us about yourself. Name, hobbies, interests, family (however you would like to answer)

My name is Jameelah Crawford. I’m a poet, filmmaker, and published author based in Minnesota. I’m a multifaceted creative who loves exploring different ways to express myself and collaborating with others. For me, creativity is more than just a passion—it’s therapy and a way I pour into my community.

While I enjoy many creative outlets, writing and filmmaking are the paths I’m most committed to right now. I’m always open to where my creativity might lead me next as I keep growing and evolving.

I was born and raised in Minnesota, one of seven siblings. I love my home, but I’m excited to travel more, experience different cultures, and see how those journeys will expand my voice and vision as an artist.

When was the first time that you recognized you were a writer?

I started writing really young—around second grade—and poetry was the first form that spoke to me. Something about the rhythm and sound of rhyme just drew me in. Writing became my therapy, a source of comfort that felt natural. Over time, with encouragement from others, I embraced that writing was a gift I needed to own.

As I grew into my creative self, I began exploring new ways to express my ideas. In college at Mankato—a place better known for parties than poetry—I was already making videos and sharing them on Facebook, combining my poems with visuals. I was ahead of the curve on video editing compared to my peers, always finding ways to bring my words to life on screen.

That love of visual storytelling pulled me deeper into filmmaking. I started editing videos in my late teens and have kept growing since. Recently, I finished a short documentary through SPNN’s documentary program, where I sharpened my skills in interviewing, storytelling, and visual narration. For me, filmmaking—like poetry—is about telling stories that heal, resonate, and transform.

How did you initially get involved with Aya Collective Publishing?

My connection to the Aya Collective felt like a divine alignment. I was part of a research study focused on Black women’s lifestyles and movement—specifically yoga—and was grouped with Bisola, a writer who was contributing to the Let the Black Women Say Ase’ anthology.

Bisola told me about the Aya Collective and Sacred Saturdays and encouraged me to reach out. What started as curiosity quickly became community. I began attending Sacred Saturdays, drawn by the rich, affirming space of Black women coming together. Feeling inspired and supported, I submitted my own work to the Collective, opening a new chapter of sisterhood, sacred practice, and storytelling.

Tell us about your creative and spiritual work outside of the Aya Collective.

At the heart of my creative life is journaling—a daily practice that keeps me grounded. Journaling is a sacred conversation with myself and with God, a way to process emotions and reflect deeply. No matter what’s going on, it’s the one practice I always return to.

Poetry is another essential part of my expression. Lines often come to me randomly throughout the day, and I jot them down in my phone. Sometimes those lines turn into poems; other times, they just mark moments of feeling.

Filmmaking is where I get into my storytelling groove. I’m currently working on a screenplay based on my own life—a testimony in visual form. Writing, producing, and shaping this story has deepened my love for the process. Whether I’m journaling, writing poetry, or making films, I’m always creating and finding new ways to give voice to my truth.

How can people who are interested in your work find and support you?

I’m an active member of the Aya Collective, where my creative journey continues to grow. My work has been featured in Sacred Saturdays and published in the Saint Paul Almanac, with more releases planned for this year.

I share my reflections, poetry, and visual content on multiple platforms. You can find my spoken word pieces and creative musings on my YouTube channel, InsightfulMeelah. On Instagram, I post updates and creative work at @_meelahcrawford, where I’m building a space to stay connected with my community and share my latest projects.

To support my work, I invite you to purchase books from the Aya Collective and attend Sacred Saturdays—a space that continues to nourish her voice and vision.

What’s one piece of advice you have for aspiring writers?

Don’t judge, give yourself a try before you talk yourself out of doing something. Put yourself out there even if it feels like something you are afraid of doing. Once you take that step, God aligns you with people you are supposed to be aligned with. Don’t let fear stop you from doing what you want to do. 

When it comes to not feeling like a failure, control your intention but not the result. Even if things don’t turn out the way you want to, focus on what your intention was.