How It All Started…

 The seed for Jem Drops was planted back in 2014 when we lost two of our greats almost back to back from one another, Dr. Maya Angelou in May and Ruby Dee in June. Not only was I saddened by the loss of these two iconic and brilliant women within weeks of each other, but I was also disheartened, embarrassed and a bit ashamed by my generation of so called “role models”. I thought, “I had such a great example growing up of true black excellence, like Dr. Angelou and Mrs. Dee, and now with the inundation of reality shows and mindless entertainment that has become so popular, what kind of example is my generation setting for our babies? Who does our next generation have to look up to?”

It was then that I decided that I must do my part as an individual to encourage and challenge our community to think better, be better and do better. Jem drops is an opportunity to pivot the focus from the negative narrative that we are so accustomed to seeing and shed some light on the positive outlook of our African American celebrities that is very rarely portrayed in our community, especially in the media. After some prayer, trial & error and thought, Jem Drops was born.

I hope you enjoy this labor of love and come back and visit regularly. Remember, “When you know you’re a jem, you’ll always rock!” Much love and God Bless.

— Jasperz’jem