We recently connected with Clinnesha Sibley and have shared our conversation below.
Clinnesha, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?
I believe that making a positive impact during our time here on earth is a meaningful way to honor our experiences and the preciousness of life.
In 2021, I experienced the profound shock of losing my mom, a loss that made me acutely aware of how suddenly life can change. It jolted me into the reality that every moment, everything, every effort matters.
This understanding inspires me to serve others wholeheartedly while I have the opportunity.
My generosity is rooted in my grief…
What legacy do I want to leave behind through my acts of service?
I often find myself waking in the night with that question on my mind. It lingers and then prompts me to get up and go to work for our greater good.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a poet and playwright deeply rooted in the South, and my background significantly influences my writing and storytelling. As a co-founder of a nonprofit organization in Mississippi, I focus on arts, culture, education, and strengthening communities. My personal mission is to champion Black youth and citizen artists in our community, driven by my own experience as a Black girl from Mississippi.
I’ve noticed that many don’t recognize the talent and potential in our state, which fuels my passion to ensure our children have the same opportunities as others. I’m currently launching a micro school aimed at enhancing the creative capacities of our youth, helping them realize their dreams and potential without deferral. It’s about nurturing their voices and empowering them to thrive in a world that often overlooks them.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe kindness is the greatest skill, a gentle art that disarms the defenses we often erect. In a world where many default to defensiveness, arrogance, or selfish motives, kindness stands as a bridge, inviting connection and understanding. It softens hardened hearts and opens up pathways to empathy.
For those in the early stages of your career, it’s natural to feel the urge to climb and succeed, often with a fierce determination that can lead to trampling others along the way. However, be mindful that this path can create monsters—both within and around you.
Never forget our shared humanity.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m particularly focused on partnering with individuals and organizations to bring resources into my nonprofit, especially for our micro school initiative aimed at supporting Black youth and families, primarily, in Mississippi. It’s vital that these young people not only see but also feel connected to the progressive world around them. We are Southwest Mississippi Multiplex for Early Innovative Intervention Studies (SMMEIIS), and we are eager to collaborate with partners in education who share our commitment to empower and invest in young creatives from the south.
Contact Info:
- Website: smmeiis.org
- Instagram: smmeiis.thecreativeplace
- Facebook: Southwest Mississippi Multiplex for Early Innovative Intervention Studies
Image Credits
Scott Video and Photography LLC
