Artist/Activist

Born in the 70s, raised in the 80s, a child of the south and hip-hop generation, Crystal writes with her soul wide open. Her roots and self-knowledge define her writing. Surrounded by a loud and large family full of strong independent women, she learned at an early age that words were powerful and having your own voice was essential.

After high school, Crystal spread her wings to Florida State University (FSU) were she obtained a B.S. in Television Production and a minor in Black Studies. Crystal went on to pursue an M.A. in Theater Arts from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). As a student activist and actress living in Los Angeles, her spirit grew weary of speaking for others and using others words to express emotion. She searched for a place where she could hear her own voice. Crystal found refuge in the spoken word community. Everything in her – frustration, pain, heartbreak, knowledge, love – all poured out on stage in her own words.

Crystal has performed on several world famous stages including the Comedy Store, Da Poetry Lounge, and the Pan-African Film Festival. She was the 2004 Los Feliz Grand Slam Champion & the 2006 Hollywood Grand Slam Champion (only the 2nd female in the history of the team). She was also a member of the 2005 Hollywood Slam Team, which placed third at the 2005 National Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, NM. Crystal has shared the stage with several artists, including opening for rapper/actor Mos Def. In addition to spoken word, Crystal is a contributing writer, regarding issues of race and gender, to LOUDmouth, a feminist magazine. She is also a talented actress and has starred in several plays including For Colored Girls… and Flyin’ West. She was a member of the international collective, Colors of the Diaspora, which was comprised of female artists from the U.S. and South Africa. In June 2005, Crystal traveled to South Africa and performed in the premiere of the original multi-lingual theater piece, Colors of the Diaspora, at the internationally acclaimed Market Theater in Johannesburg and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. The piece was written and produced by the women of the collective.

Crystal made her film debut in the award winning film Strangers, which focuses on child abuse. She was a semifinalist in the TNT Dramatic Audition Contest and a finalist in the Method Film Festival Acting Competition. She is also featured in I Am A Woman, a documentary focused on the creative process of Colors of the Diaspora. I Am A Woman appeared on the South African Broadcast Channel continuously in the fall 2005. Crystal also appears in SP!T, a documentary which focuses on spokenword and its power to change lives and give hope. SP!T premiered at the Pan African Film Festival in February 2006.

Crystal has worked tirelessly as an activist including Program Coordinator for the Pan African Student Resource Center at CSULA, volunteer for the Boys & Girls Club, and Community Educator for the Refuge House, a domestic violence shelter. She has also coordinated and facilitated several workshops and conferences around race, gender, and activism.

Crystal is residing in Los Angeles working as an actress, writer, and activist. She just completed Milk: Poem, Short Stories and other First Lessons from God. Currently she is writing on her first play about the trials and tribulations of a young Black woman running for political office. Crystal’s life mission is to inspire and create change through art.

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