Welcome September

short stories & poems

Welcome September
with your promises
of new things
and new beginnings;

The breeze
breathing new life
onto my summer-soaked skin,

Leaves
the color of maple
and honey
and mulled wine;

Welcome September,
month of birth and life.
You smell of home.

***

I absolutely love the month of September. Not only is it my birth month, but it feels like it signifies new beginnings.  The seasons are preparing to change. Colors change in nature all around us. September feels like home. I pray that you all feel joy, safety, and love this month and always.

Unapologetically,
Pam

Pam R. Johnson Davis’ "Am I Wrong" Hailed as a "Soul-Soaked Confession Wrapped in Satin and Smoke"

music

 New Single Captures the Elegance and Poised Restraint of Classic Soul and Modern R&B


[Chicago, IL] – [October 9, 2025] – Pam R. Johnson Davis has released her latest single, "Am I Wrong," a track already earning high praise from critics for its exquisite vocal control and sophisticated, understated production. Music reviewer Andre Avanessian described the song as a "slow-burning, soul-soaked confession" that stands "at the intersection of classic soul and contemporary R&B."



Avanessian highlights Pam R. Johnson Davis's masterful performance, praising her for not just singing, but "inhabiting the song." Her voice is lauded for its "velvety weightlessness" and "silken current," delivered with a poised restraint that "echoes the great soul singers of the past." The critique emphasizes the artist’s commitment to precision over pyrotechnics:


"In a world of vocal pyrotechnics, Pam chooses precision. Each note is placed with purpose, her dynamic range moving like breath — from a hushed vulnerability to a rich, honeyed swell that blooms at just the right moments."

 

Sonically, the track is celebrated for its warmth and intentional craftsmanship. The arrangement is described as "air and silk," featuring a bass that’s "all groove and glide," and jazzy brass phrases that infuse moments of "melodic delicacy." Crucially, the production is noted for its ability to frame the artist's voice:


"What’s perhaps most impressive is how the arrangement respects Pam’s voice. It never competes — it frames... The production, like Pam’s delivery, understands the power of restraint. In that space, the song becomes not just something to listen to, but something to inhabit."

 

"Am I Wrong" is a sensual, intimate piece of songwriting that earns its attention by being "thoughtful, intimate, and soulfully true." The track is expected to resonate strongly with fans of Alicia Keys, Jazmine Sullivan, Chrisette Michele, and Faith Evans.


The single is now available on all major streaming platforms.



About Pam R. Johnson Davis: Pam R. Johnson Davis (she/her) is an award-winning poet, speaker, historian, and singer/songwriter who is curious, questioning, humorous, and tender.

Suggested Artist Comparisons (as noted by Reviewer Avanessian): Alicia Keys, Jamila Woods, Faith Evans, Mariah Carey, Jazmine Sullivan, Teyana Taylor, Chrisette Michele

Media Contact

Contact – Pam R. Johnson Davis

Email – unapologeticallypam@gmail.com

Country – USA

Website – https://www.unapologeticallypam.com

What Consistency Taught Me

body positivity
I watched March Madness for the first time two years ago 🏀

For context, I grew up in an NBA-loving household. Game days were family time. We would gather around that old 1990s tv set (I'm pretty sure this is the exact model we had) to cheer and laugh and cry. I learned to love sports by watching them with my family. 

Yet, I never really got into college sports until recently. In 2022, after the NFL season ended, DeMico and I were looking for some sports entertainment to fill our Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays in the absence of football. He asked me, "Do you want to watch March Madness?"

I loved it! I was so impressed with the discipline, courage, and work ethic of these young athletes. To have one of the biggest moments in your college career play out in real time in front of millions of people is not for the faint-hearted. I left that season (proud and cheering for South Carolina!) hooked and ready for the next one.

Since March Madness 2022, I've cultivated a discipline practice of my own. That summer, I got sick with COVID for the third time in three years (sigh) and I knew I needed to make a change. I met with my doctor to make a plan for building my immune system, and part of that plan was to move my body more consistently. To expand my lungs and grow its strength back post-COVID to support me in fending off illness. I'm not gonna lie to yall - I was nervous. Sure, I worked out. But he was talking about daily workouts, especially cardio. Could I do that? Did I have the discipline? Could I have that discipline consistently?

It's been almost two years since then, and I'm proud to say that the answer is yes! I consistently meet my cardio goals weekly, monthly, and annually. The goal has not been to change my body, but to increase my body's capacity. My body has grown - physically and mentally - because of this discipline. I am more present with myself. I can move with more ease. I can trust my body and my body can trust me. 

"Discipline taught me that I can do hard things and consistency taught me I can do those things long-term."

It has not always been easy. Just like South Carolina after that winning 2022 season, I have had some setbacks and some major comebacks (come on undefeated 2024 champs!!!). Today, I'm proud to say that discipline and consistency have been a worthwhile investment.

Yall know I no longer believe in before and after pictures. I have none. Instead, I just have my current joy, shared in a photo from vacation recently below. Wherever you might need some consistency in your life, I hope you find it. Slow and steady, friends. You're worth it and I believe in you.

Unapologetically,
Pam


Pam R. Johnson Davis’ Up & Down: A Lesson in Love’s Unforgiving Rhythm

music

by Amelia Vandergast, cross posted from A&R Factory

While most artists rely on assimilation to reach the same affecting heights as their influences, that isn’t the case for Pam R. Johnson Davis; she shows the capacity for true originality within the organically expressive fluidity of her sound. Her latest single, Up & Down, produced by Mico Davis, is a testament to her ability to tease genre-fluid artistry into raw emotion.


With a standing ovation-worthy vocal performance, she tempers the rhythmic complexity of the instrumentation beneath her, pouring every note straight from the soul. There’s a reason her music has travelled across 120 countries and amassed over 122,000 streams—whether performing original compositions or classics spanning Aretha Franklin to Garth Brooks, her presence commands attention.

As a singer, songwriter, poet, and historian, her work has already earned two Global Music Awards, and Up & Down only cements her reputation further. The track traverses the highs and lows of a perpetually precarious relationship with unparalleled grace, carried by husky powerhouse vocals and jazz-tinged progressions.

Whether she’s behind the mic or not, Pam R. Johnson Davis carries a room-lightening energy, and through Up & Down, that presence becomes almost tangible. Your speakers won’t just pulse with the smooth syncopated grooves—they’ll radiate. For anyone who has ever suffered from romantic whiplash, this is a lesson in healing that should be mandatory.

Up & Down is now available to stream on all major streaming platforms. Find your preferred way to listen on the artist’s official website.

It's Time We Celebrate Ourselves

self love

Today, I am celebrating one whole year of No Unpaid Passengers being out in the world! 🎉
 


When DeMico came home with this (huge) surprise canvas, I felt mixed emotions - joy, happiness, overwhelm, and...imposter syndrome.
 


I worked really hard for this book. The writing of these poems over two years (and the way some of them like "How to Build a House" vulnerably cracked me wide open). The editing process, the cover design, the press & interviews, the BOOK TOUR...and yet, when I looked at the magnitude of this beautiful canvas...I felt like I didn't deserve it.

"Why is the cover so big?!" I nervously asked DeMico.

He cocked his head and looked at me curiously. He paused a beat before simply replying, "Because this was a big accomplishment and you deserve to be celebrated."

*cue the waterfall of tears*

I don't know about you, but my brain is hardwired to minimize good news. It's as if my brain believes that if I pat myself on the back too hard, I'll break. Which often translates to not patting myself on the back at all. Not celebrating the milestones. Just keep moving forward to the next thing. Complicating all of this is the fact that I'm an internal processor - it takes time & deep reflection for me to really grasp when I've accomplished a thing. With life moving at a nonstop pace, it can be difficult to sit down & take the time I need to really understand a moment.

DeMico was right though. I deserve to be celebrated! No Unpaid Passengers is not just a title - it's a mantra. A commitment to shedding the people, places, & things that don't have good intentions for me. This includes imposter syndrome! In fact, imposter syndrome (or Nancy, as my bestie L'Oreal calls it in her new book Stop Waiting for Perfect - out now!!!) is, in and of itself, an unpaid passenger. It clings to me and whispers - "It's not that big of a deal, calm down, no one likes a showboat." BYE NANCY! This is a BFD, and I'm going to love on myself today.

Friends, how often have you achieved something HUGE (buying that house, getting that degree, starting a new job, writing a BOOK) and then downplayed your success? What "unpaid passengers" are you still carrying that prevents you from acknowledging the fruit of your labor?

If you've accomplished something recently, big or small, and you haven't celebrated yourself - here's your reminder to do so. You deserve it. You're worth it. Pop those bottles, dance in your living room, and feel free to send me a pic or drop me a line so I can celebrate with you. We earned this party 🎉


Unapologetically,
Pam

Pam R. Johnson Davis Releases Soulful New Single ‘Good Days’

music

 by Danny Jeffers, crossposted from The Industry Times


Rare is the artist who seamlessly blends genres while maintaining a unique voice in today’s music landscape. Enter Pam R. Johnson Davis, professionally known as “Unapologetically Pam,” who’s been making waves with her recently released single, “Good Days.”

This Arkansas native’s journey into music began early – at just eight years old. Growing up in a household where music was as essential as breathing, Johnson Davis credits her gospel-singing father for honing her pitch and harmonies, while her mother instilled the art of commanding a stage. These childhood lessons laid the groundwork for a career that would later earn her three Global Music Awards.

But don’t try to pin Johnson Davis down to a single genre. Her sound is a melting pot of R&B, Soul, Pop, Jazz, Indie, Funk, and even a dash of Country. When asked about her musical style, she pauses thoughtfully before responding, “To me, music is connection. It’s like… imagine having a heart-to-heart with a close friend, but through melody and rhythm. My music aims to be that friend – intimate, dreamy, and hopefully carrying a message that resonates.”

Her newest offering, “Good Days,” hit streaming platforms on September 1st, 2024. Clocking in at 3 minutes and 44 seconds, the track has quickly gained traction among listeners. “It’s that hopeful, longing vibe you need as we transition into fall,” Johnson Davis explains with a smile in her voice. The song’s lyrics reflect themes of perseverance and optimism, with lines like “Good days are ahead for you and me / I just need to believe” forming the chorus. The track’s production blends elements of R&B and soul, featuring Davis’s signature tender yet powerful vocals layered over a melody that alternates between introspective verses and an uplifting chorus. The repeated refrain of “good days” throughout the song serves as both a mantra and a promise, encapsulating the artist’s message of hope and resilience.


Diving into her inspirations is like opening a treasure chest of musical gems. She speaks fondly of her early influences – her father, brother Perry O’Neal, and husband Mico Davis. But her admiration extends to contemporary artists too. “I find myself in awe of voices like Ari Lennox and Jazmine Sullivan,” she admits. “And don’t even get me started on Sam Smith’s vocals or Jessie Reyez’s songwriting. Pure magic.”

But Johnson Davis isn’t just about the music. She’s also a poet with a TEDx Talk under her belt, titled “Where do you find your poetry?” It’s clear that for her, poetry isn’t confined to words on a page – it’s in the music, the art, and even in the mundane moments of everyday life.

With “Good Days” now out in the world, Johnson Davis remains grounded yet excited about its reception. “I’m always writing, always listening, always recording,” she shares, hinting at future projects to come.

For fans eager to keep up with Pam R. Johnson Davis, her official website is the go-to hub for all things Pam. She’s also quite active on social media – you can catch glimpses of her life and work on Spotify, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

In an industry that often tries to put artists in boxes, Pam R. Johnson Davis stands out as a testament to the power of authenticity and genre-bending creativity. Her latest single, “Good Days,” isn’t just a song – it’s an invitation. An invitation to hope, to persevere, and to believe in better days ahead. As the melody of “Good Days” continues to resonate with listeners, one thing becomes clear: Pam R. Johnson Davis isn’t just making music; she’s crafting experiences that connect with the human spirit.

Let's Go on a "Road Trip"

music
Friends, my new single "Road Trip" is out now on all platforms!


I am so immensely proud to share this song with you all. It's perfect timing, as well, as we celebrate the close of African American Music Appreciation Month! "Road Trip" celebrates the legacy of Black American musicians and their roots in the foundations of country, soul, folk, and R&B music. You can hear a blend of all these genres when you listen. 

This song is also very special to me, personally. Road Trip is my "freedom anthem" from a very specific time in my life. I wrote it in 2016, a few months after I settled into my new home after experiencing homelessness, divorce, and career changes for three years. I was still finding who I was after losing so much. Many of the titles that I tied my identity to at that time were gone, and I felt like a toddler trying to navigate the world. Everything was new, everything was loud, and I was trying to figure out how to be a human in all the newness. 

I was in my room one night in November 2016, and I started hearing this melody and humming the lyrics, "Take a breath, take a step, open up to the view. Take the leap, remember to breathe, don't close your eyes..." I sent a voice note to DeMico with the musical idea, and the rest was history. Seven years later, and these lyrics still call to me. They encourage me to try new things, to breathe fresh air, and to become all of myself. I hope you'll see some of yourself in this song, and love it too. It's here for your listening pleasure!

After listening, leave my comment or drop me a note & let me know what you think! Happy Road Trippin' yall ♥

Unapologetically,
Pam

Make Room for Love

wellness

I've been going hard for a long time, yall. From the release of No Unpaid Passengers to the #NUPTour to my WNDR Museum Chicago residency to dozens of interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, panels, shows & performances - it's been nonstop. I'm also writing, working my education job, and trying to #human in the midst of it all. In short, me the last 9 months:


Wednesday was no exception. Not only did I have a full workday, which included a 4-hr team meeting, but also I had a VIP event Wednesday night. PLUS, the following day, I had an all day work event to prepare for (and a 7:30 a.m. start time). So when my girls picked Wednesday to do happy hour, I was both excited and worried.


I'm at capacity! My calendar is full! ! BUT! ...I also knew I needed this.

When I found myself on a beautiful rooftop in Chicago with sunny 65 degree weather, holding hands, crying, & laughing with 5 of my closest girlfriends, I looked around through my tears and thought: worth it.

Wednesday was healing for my soul. Friendships are so important. We live in a world where it can be easy to get lost in isolation, pain, grief, burnout, or general exhaustion. Your friends, your chosen family, can often be the ones to pull you back in and love you out loud. We need that. And we also deserve that kind of uninhibited love.

As I left the rooftop bar that night to head to my next event, I had the biggest smile. It wasn't just on my face, it was in my heart. I wouldn't always recommend 3 events in one day. But when one of those events is with people who reciprocate your love? Make room where you can. Even in the busiest times, make room for love.

Unapologetically,
Pam

Good News

events
(I sang this title in my Glinda from Wicked voice)

I'm so thrilled to share a few good things with you!

1) WE HIT 10,000 STREAMS!!!!

Eeeek!!!! I'm so humbled that to share that the music I've written has hit ten thousand streams across all streaming platforms (including radio streams! 😱). Thousands of people in over 30 countries have welcomed my voice & my words into their homes, commutes, workspaces, etc and I'm overwhelmed with love. From Call Home to Wish You Were Here to Paper Cranes, thank you so, so much for listening!



2) I now have an events page!

Unapologetically Pam now has an events page where you can see all upcoming shows, gigs, speaking events, and more!

3) I booked my next festival!

Speaking of events, I'm excited to announce I'll be performing on The Main Stage at Southport Art Fest on July 8th!!! Join me & DeMico for an electrifying acoustic set from 4-5:15 p.m.







Three Months Later

poetry
It's our three month anniversary, yall!


Yes, it's been three months since the release of No Unpaid Passengers!!! And wow what a ride it has been. 

I believe there is power in pause: the ability to be still for a moment, to celebrate, to reflect, to step back and see the good. The release of this book has been a really monumental moment in my life. I don't want to miss the chance to reflect on all that has happened in the last three months. So here goes:

Three Months Later 

1. No Unpaid Passengers was on the Amazon Bestsellers List for 30 days straight, including:

• #1 New Release in Black & African-American Poetry
• #3 New Release in American Poetry
• #7 New Release in Women's Poetry Worldwide
• #12 New Release in Poetry Worldwide
• #16 Best Seller in Black & African-American Poetry

2. The announcement of my second book was published by TWO HUNDRED AND ONE websites, including Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC, Digital Journal, The Daily Herald, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, and several international outlets in India, Thailand, and Indonesia!


3. The CHICAGO TRIBUNE did a story on No Unpaid Passengers! *pinch me because I still canNOT believe this happened to meeeee*

4. No Unpaid Passengers received 5 stars across the board on all critics reviews! As a writer, critics reviews are super valuable in a number of ways. They boost legitimacy and can lead to improved rankings and sales. Many thanks to the writers, poets, and reviewers at Readers Favorite and Literary Titan for giving my work love!

5. I went on an 8-Stop Book Tour! Each of these stops were in collaboration with organizations that have incredible missions. We were able to use art to serve the community over and over and over again. I still cannot believe it. This fall, I have hugged so many folks, held many hands, and heard many stories. I, myself, have felt seen, heard, and held as well. Thank you to every single one of you for showing up. I'm so grateful!

6. No Unpaid Passengers won the Gold Book Award by Literary Titan in November 2022!!!

7. No Unpaid Passengers was named a Finalist for Best Poetry Anthology and Best Urban Poetry at the Best Book Awards!!!

8. No Unpaid Passengers was a fourth round finalist (out of hundreds of poetry books!) for the Best Indie Book Awards!!!


WHEEEEEW. Yall. Do you see what we've done in three months? What a wild, wild ride this has been. And it's not over yet! There are still more performances, more announcements, and more possibilities to come. I pray that I will be ready for it all. And I'm so thrilled you're on this journey with me.

Cheers to us, and cheers to No Unpaid Passengers, both the book and the motto to live by 🎉

Unapologetically,
Pam





Fall Book Tour

poetry
My friends, it has been an absolute whirlwind of adventure since the release of No Unpaid Passengers. From the first 5-star critics reviews of my book to an article in the Chicago Tribune (pinch me!) to many of you sharing photographs after getting your copies in the mail. I am in disbelief that this little book of spells and train rides is out in the world.

And what a ride it's taking me on. There are days where I don't know how I'm keeping up with all of the requests and messages in front of me and then there are days of complete stillness where I wonder if I'm doing enough, if my work is enough, if I am enough.

Well, today is one of those days where I know I'm doing not only enough, but perhaps the most, because I'm going on a book tour!



*cue the airhorns* AHHHHHH!!!!!!

Yall. I'm screaming. There's no other way to put it. I'm screaming! I am so excited to share space with you all this fall. I get goosebumps when I think of the causes I'll get to support (deets below). I'm honored about the organizations that have believed in me enough to have me at their events to perform. I'm thrilled about the hands that will hold No Unpaid Passengers. I'm emotional about the poems that will resonate. I'm humbled that any of this is happening to me at all. I'm so grateful!

Get tickets below:
*Please note the date change for WNDR to November 19th rather than the 12th.
● October 5th 5-8pm Midwest Coast Brewing - fundraiser for Chicago Jobs Council, a nonprofit organization working to create an anti-racist workforce development system and employment equity so that everyone can realize their unique pathway out of poverty
● October 7th-9th Raleigh Film & Arts Festival - screening of "The Tree and The Hummingbird" a poem originally written for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and included in No Unpaid Passengers
● October 12th Pinot & Poetry - virtual celebration and live reading of the release of No Unpaid Passengers on IG Live at 6 CT! Follow me here so you don't miss it ♥
● October 20th Caring for Her: State of Black Women & Girls Mental Health in Chicago - Join us for an in-depth discussion featuring inspiring women leading and creating bold mental health solutions for Black women and Girls
● October 22nd WNDR Museum - a celebration of the visual arts with music & poetry. We'll be performing from 1-4!
● November 2nd Brookie's Corner - author's conversation on why we write, how our poetry came to life, and enjoying the process along the way. Happening on Instagram Live at 6 CT/7ET.
● November 19th WNDR Museum - so nice, we're doing it twice 🥰 1-4 p.m.
● December 17th A Very Real Holiday - holiday music, poetry, and real talk for the many of us who's holidays look a little different from the hallmark cards. Live at WNDR from 1-4 p.m.

See you soon, beloveds.


Unapologetically,
Pam

Award-Winning Poet and Author Pam R. Johnson Davis Releases Sophomore Poetry Anthology

poetry

Author Pam R. Johnson Davis Releases “No Unpaid Passengers”


Chicago, IL - Sept. 1, 2022 – Award-winning indie author and poet, Pam R. Johnson Davis, announced the release of her newest book, “No Unpaid Passengers.” The eagerly awaited publication is now available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle edition.


Everyone has moments in their life they’d rather not contemplate. Johnson Davis addresses that issue head on through the lens of her own life. She takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and what it means to ‘choose yourself.’ Individuals will accompany the author as she moves through her life’s memories. Johnson Davis explores themes encompassing childhood trauma, divorce, Blackness, church politics and more through her collection of heartfelt poems.


“No Unpaid Passengers” is an awakening for readers, helping them understand and lose the toxic elements in their life through the lens of Johnson Davis’s own story. She asks the question, “What does it mean to truly live the decision to choose yourself?” as she sheds the people, places and things that have been extra baggage along the way.



Johnson Davis writes unapologetically, with passion, clarity and a healing touch. She always seeks to explore, understand and uplift women on their own journey of wellness and healing.


Johnson Davis’s first book, “Seasons (I’ll Be Seeing You): A collection of poems about heartbreak, healing, and redemption” debuted in the No. 1 spot for new releases in African American Poetry and Women’s Poetry Worldwide on Amazon. It’s a position the book held on the Amazon best-sellers list for several weeks in 2020. The author and her book have won a long list of prestigious awards.


“No Unpaid Passengers” is an emotional and freeing experience that gives women permission to be themselves, find their center, and eliminate the baggage that they all carry. The book is a life affirming tribute to self-care and healing of the mind and spirit.


The book is available on Amazon, in both paperback and Kindle editions: https://a.co/d/c2Zsx5d 


About Pam R. Johnson Davis

Pam R. Johnson Davis is an award-winning writer, singer, historian, educator, TED Talk speaker, and originator of the “Unapologetically Pam” blog. She’s been named one of the 29 Black Bloggers Making a Statement and been featured in a variety of online literary and art publications. Her work has received the Best Urban Poetry Book Award, the Gold Book Award, and the Readers’ Favorite Silver Medal. Her R&B track, “Soul,” was named Track of the Month at Tracks Music Awards, Best American Roots Song at One Earth Awards, and her album “Call Home” received bronze medals for Best Emerging Artist and Best Lyrics/Songwriting at the Global Music Awards. Her work has also been chosen for two film festivals. 


Media Contact

Contact – Pam R. Johnson Davis

Email – unapologeticallypam@gmail.com

Country – USA

Website – unapologeticallypam.blogspot.com

Wish You Were Here

music


Wish You Were Here is out now! You can listen to it on your streaming platform of choice here.

This song has only been out a little over 24 hours and it already has sparked some deep conversations. I'd like to talk about some of them here. Trigger Warning: Depression.

Depression is a beast. As someone who has been diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, I know this all too well. October was a big, beautiful month for me. My album came out (Call Home is still very fresh and lives at the forefront of my recently played music queues), I did my TED Talk, the album release party was fire. So many wonderful things. Then, outside of me, more beautiful things were happening. My best friends had a baby (hi L'Oreal & Jeff!), we celebrated more birthdays than I can count (I love my Libras & Scorpios for real), and Halloween was LIT. On top of all that, fall is my favorite time of year and October really exemplifies the fall spirit.

Then November 1st came...and I woke up sad. There was no rhyme or reason to it. I had been preparing with my therapist for the potential of a "system crash" after having so many big things happen in October, and yet, when depression came knocking, I simply wasn't ready. I cried every day for a week. I felt myself withdrawing from friends & family. Work was kicking my ass, so that didn't help. Suddenly, all I wanted to do was sleep.

That is the mental state I was in when I wrote "Wish You Were Here." It was my depressed self longing for my "normal" self (which is complicated, I know). I just wanted to be here, to be present, in the fullness of joy that I know I'm capable of...but I just couldn't. When I sang, "This Christmas, all I really want is for you to love me like only you can," I was singing to myself. Depression tries to convince me that I am unlovable. And I know that isn't the truth. I know I am Love, and I know I am Loved. But in my lowest of lows, it's easy to second guess. It took me a bit to get out of that place and step back into my power. But I'm grateful for what November 1st taught me.

Maybe you've been in a similar place with your mental health. Or maybe you're experiencing loneliness. Or self-deprecation. Or seasonal depression. Or maybe you're just in the mood for a good cry. Maybe, you're in a damn good place, actually, and you just wanna vibe (WYWH is an excellent song to vibe to, if I do say so myself 😏). Wherever you find yourself when you read this, I hope you know you are Love and you are Loved. Always. And I hope you enjoy Wish You Were Here. I'm immensely proud of it.

Unapologetically,
Pam

PS - Reviews have started to roll in for #WYWH and I'm in awe!

In Due Time

poetry
I received my very first Pushcart Prize nomination and I'm crying!



What's wild is that the poem they chose was "Seeing The Real Her" which is a very emotional poem for me. It is a poem I wrote about my estranged grandmother after her death. But also it is the poem that sparked the blog post "Anyone Can Write a Poem."

You see, "Seeing The Real Her" is the poem that was rejected by an Ivy League magazine (🙄) back in January 2021. The editor gave me very harsh feedback and in so many words, suggested that I wasn't a good poet. That conversation hurt me. I didn't write for about a month. But I'm glad that when I picked up my pen again, I wrote the open letter because "Anyone Can Write a Poem" became the basis of my TEDxChicago submission. And guess what?



I was selected alongside about 12 others to give a TED Talk at TEDxChicago!!! My TED Talk is now available to watch here. It is all about poetry being everywhere and for everyone because I truly do believe there is poetry in us all. I'll work to never allow anyone to discredit that in me again.

It was wildly serendipitous that I learned of this Pushcart Prize nomination on the same day that my TED Talk was released on YouTube. God's timing is impeccable.

The next time someone tries to tell you who you are, trust yourself. And just know that a "no" might become the best "yes," in due time.


Unapologetically,
Pam

"Call Home"

music


My debut solo album Call Home is OUT NOW 🎉

Ahhhh! It still feels surreal to even type that sentence. But yes, it is true! Call Home can be found on all digital streaming platforms! 

I've been working on this collection of poems and music since late 2019. What started as a side project became the biggest labor of love. I wrote, composed, recorded, and produced this album entirely on my own. It took me almost two full years to learn everything I needed to learn and try everything I needed to try in order to make Call Home a reality. I can't tell you the number of times I threw everything out and started over. I can't tell you the number of times I went back and realized that the original version of a song/poem was actually best. I couldn't tell you all the time I spent learning how to make music as a non-instrument playing singer (yall, there's one song where I'm playing piano and singing live with a ton of construction and noise in the background and I've heard that this one is in line to be the favorite track). I couldn't tell you how many times I cried, both from frustration and from joy. I can't tell you how this entire album is 9 tracks, and totals about 20 minutes, yet somehow feels like a lifetime. I can't tell you how excited, yet terrified, yet thrilled, yet anxious, yet happy I am.

Call Home is the most perfect, imperfect gift I've given myself as a singer. It is a love story to me, and a love story to you. I can't wait for you to hear it.

Unapologetically,
Pam

Our Third Award!

poetry
Friiiiieeeends! I am so, so honored to share that we won our third award for Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You)! 


When I received this news, I was truly floored. The annual Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest is highly competitive. It is one of the few contests that honors both indie authors and major publishers. Winners have ranged from celebrities like Jim Carrey to NYT Best selling authors to little Black girls from North Little Rock, AR (me). Wow!!!! I am still processing my joy, but wanted to share this press release now. See all of the winners here and the post in my category here. Sending you all love!

Unapologetically,
Pam

***

September 1, 2021

For immediate release:

Readers' Favorite recognizes "Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You)" by Pam R. Johnson Davis in its annual international book award contest, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B84QS71.

The Readers' Favorite International Book Award Contest featured thousands of contestants from over a dozen countries, ranging from new independent authors to NYT best-sellers and celebrities.

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

We receive thousands of entries from all over the world. Because of these large submission numbers, we are able to break down our contest into 140+ genres, and each genre is judged separately, ensuring that books only compete against books of their same genre for a fairer and more accurate competition. We receive submissions from independent authors, small publishers, and publishing giants such as Random House, HarperCollins and Simon & Schuster, with contestants that range from the first-time, self-published author to New York Times bestsellers like J.A. Jance, James Rollins, and #1 best-selling author Daniel Silva, as well as celebrity authors like Jim Carrey (Bruce Almighty), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), and Eriq La Salle (E.R., Coming to America).

"When the right books are picked as winners we pay attention. We will be spreading the word about Readers' Favorite." --Karen A., Editor for Penguin Random House

Readers' Favorite is proud to announce that "Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You)" by Pam R. Johnson Davis won the Silver Medal in the Poetry - Love/Romance category.

You can learn more about Pam R. Johnson Davis and "Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You)" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/seasons-ill-be-seeing-you where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers' Favorite LLC
Media Relations
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https://readersfavorite.com

Two Poems

poetry
A Soft Place to Land

Child of Onyx:
Your tresses tower to the sky
Defiant.
That's what they call us
And yet the constellations call us
to keep building a ladder to heaven
because I know God is a Black woman
because I have felt Her.

Child of Coal:
Did you know coal takes millions of years to form?
Pressure.
We apply it
And yet who supplies it as we carry the energy of a nation
birthed through generations
from Auntie Harriet to the unnamed, unmarked grave?
Who will love us better than us?

Child of Obsidian:
Daughter. Mother. Sister. Friend.
Beautiful.
May you find your rest, nay, demand it
as a field of lilac demands water
as the soil is softened by the rain.
May you, too, find a soft place to land.
Always. Always.


-Pam R. Johnson Davis


Native Tongues/Living Water
Our native tongues were different but 
somehow we spoke a mutual 

language
Me with my life-giving aura
You with eyes that see past 

flesh and bone
To seek the soul
That would give you
A taste of living 

water
and even with my timidness
You gave me your trust and 

even when I was uncertain
You held steady and 

even when I hesitated
You still believed

That although our native tongues were different 
We would share a mutual language

You were right


-Pam R. Johnson Davis

Sleep, Soup, Sex

body positivity
Our bodies are truly amazing. I'm not sure that we as a society really take the time to appreciate the genius of the human body. Instead, we are constantly bombarded by media telling us how we can be better:

• Drink this detox tea to lose weight fast!
• Do this exercise to get your "revenge body!"
• Here's how to go from "flat" ass to "fat" ass in 4 easy steps!
• Acne? No problem! Put this acid on your face to make it alllll go away!
• Want bouncy hair? This aerosol spray will do the trick! All while eating away at our ozone layer, get yours today!

On and on and on. And while there is nothing wrong with wanting to be the best version of yourself, I don't always hear about ways we can tap into the gifts that our bodies are already giving us or trying to tell us about. Have you noticed that your body will tell you (loudly sometimes) that it's hungry? Or horny? Or tired? Or just feeling off-kilter? For example, last month I did #DressedJanuary because my body and brain were telling me that I was in a funk.

One of my fav outfits from #DressedJanuary - this purple set is so cute!

This month is starting off a little differently....with a migraine. Yup, I've had a migraine for 3 days. And there's no better time to tune into your body than when you're experiencing pain. Pain teaches us so much. It forces us to slow down. To be intentional about our actions. Pain can sometimes bring us closer to better hearing our bodies. Truthfully, our bodies are always speaking to us, but we don't always hear it in the hustle and bustle of life. I'm a person who has a history of dissociating from my body - I spent many years ignoring signals of pain or hunger or hurt because I was in denial about my trauma history. But it had permeated every part of my life - from eating disorders to body dysmorphia. It has taken me a lot of time in therapy to reconnect with my body. This is why, in a strange way, when my migraine started last Friday, as I worked through the pain, I felt another surprising sensation: gratitude.

Our bodies are speaking, always. Your body will tell you what it needs, be it sleep, soup, sex, or anything in between. Let's take time to listen.

Unapologetically,
Pam

Get Your Unapologetic Merch ♥

blogging

Friends, after toying around with the idea of launching my own merch line for a few years, I finally took the leap!

The "Unapologetic" Unisex Crewneck

Yes! The "UnapologeticallyPam" merch line here friends and I am ecstatic! You can purchase your items here or by clicking the "Shop" tab here on the blog!





Thank you all so much for your continued love & support of the important work of vulnerability, overcoming shame, and living in truth, unapologetically. I am eternally grateful! ♥


Unapologetically,

Pam

Our Second Award!

poetry

 I am so, so honored to share that Seasons (I'll Be Seeing You): A collection of poems about heartbreak, healing, and redemption has won the Gold Book Award through Literary Titan!

You can read the press release here and my author interview with them here, but I want to share some of the wonderful words that the reviewer who nominated my book for the award wrote after reading Seasons:

"Seasons: (I’ll Be Seeing You), by Pam R. Johnson Davis is an intense look at the author’s life experiences through poignant poems that are sometimes strikingly honest. While she forewarns readers about the dark places she sometimes visits with her work, there is a refreshing and uplifting side to her work as well. Readers will be taken on a beautiful ride of self-discovery through each of Davis’s poems. Her poems flow smoothly and easily off the tongue and make for lovely read alouds. Davis’s visual pauses are well-placed and serve to drive home the idea that she, and all of her readers, can overcome any obstacle.

I love poetry that pushes the limits and creates strong feelings. Davis’s work does that and more. The poems in Davis’s anthology have all the impact of the rising action and climax of a full-fledged novel. We, as readers, are afforded the opportunity to watch the poet build her way up from a truly dark place and reach again for the stars. I highly recommend Davis’s book of poetry to anyone looking for a quick relatable read or needing words of inspiration. Seasons: (I’ll Be Seeing You), by Pam R. Johnson is an emotionally charged collection of thought-provoking poetry."


Thank you so much to Literary Titan for this prestigious honor. I just keep getting my young mind blown and I'm grateful ♥

Unapologetically,

Pam
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