Biography

 

 

Jessica Holter: Author, Poet, and Visionary

 

Jessica Holter is a prolific author, poet, and visionary, best known for her groundbreaking work in the realm of urban poetry and theater. As the founder of The Punany Poets, a nonprofit community theater initiative, Holter has made a significant impact on the urban poetry scene and beyond.

 

Born with a passion for storytelling, Jessica Holter has authored numerous books that explore themes of love, sexuality, self-discovery, and social justice. Her notable works include Flowers in the Garden: Power Poetry & Flower Art for Voices of Foster Care, a heartfelt collection that amplifies the voices of foster care children through powerful poetry and stunning flower art. In Truth is a Trap House, Holter delves into the complexities of truth and perception, weaving a tapestry of thought-provoking prose and poetry that challenges societal norms.

 

Holter's Verbal Penetration series, including Verbal Penetration and Verbal Penetration 2: The Vault, showcases her ability to blend eroticism with profound social commentary, creating a unique and captivating reading experience. The Punany Experience: The War Between Tops and Bottoms is a theatrical journey that explores the dynamics of power and intimacy within relationships, while Cancer of Love: Poetry for Lovers and Cynics offers a poignant examination of love's challenges and triumphs.

 

In Baby Bear and the Just-Right Breakfast, Holter crafts a charming and educational children's story that emphasizes the importance of finding balance and making healthy choices. Her Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms series, presents a bold and unapologetic celebration of Black love and culture.

 

Jessica Holter's work is characterized by its raw honesty, fearless exploration of taboo subjects, and unwavering commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. Her journey began as a freelance Hip-Hop entertainment journalist, writing for publications such as The San Francisco Bay Guardian, 4080, Hipno, Huh, and Root Magazines. Her career took a pivotal turn when rapper Eric 'Eazy E' Wright announced he had AIDS, prompting her to self-publish her first anthology, Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms, with a musical soundtrack produced by Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!. This controversial coffee table book, blending poetry, nudity, and Hip-Hop energy, sparked a bold conversation about Black Female Sexuality and led to the creation of an erotic sketch show for HBO's Real Sex series.

 

Jessica Holter's work has been featured in various media outlets, including The Breakfast Club, Rolling Out, the Jenny McCarthy Show, and Sway in the Morning. Her contributions to the literary and artistic world have earned her academic acclaim, with her work being examined in essays and dissertations.

 

As a writer, public speaker, visual artist, and theatrical producer, Jessica Holter continues to push the boundaries of creative expression. Her dedication to exploring the complexities of human relationships and sexuality has solidified her place as a pioneering figure in Black erotic spoken word.

 

Books by Jessica Holter:

 

• Flowers in the garden: Power Poetry & Flower Art for Voices of Foster Care

• Truth is a Trap House

• Baby Bear and the Just-Right Breakfast

• Verbal Penetration

• Verbal Penetration 2: The Vault

• The Punany Experience, The War Between Tops and Bottoms

• Cancer of Love, Poetry for Lovers and Cynics

• Speak the Unspeakable

• Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms (Out of Print, Collector's Book)

• Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms II, Black Love American Style

• Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms III, The Onliners

• Punany: The Hip Hop Psalms, IV: Secret of the Pearl

• 261.5: An Inspirational Guided Notebook for Invoking Self-Healing and Navigating Early Onset Sexuality

• Adult Night School Stage Play

 

Today Jessica holter serves as the Creative Director of the nonprofit organization Holter Intellectual Property, INC, producing Literary Salons, and music festivals for young adults as fundraisers for her Voices of Foster Care Self-Help initiative. Find out more at VoicesofFosterCare.com.