Conversations with Eriel Nicole Knight

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eriel Nicole Knight

Hi Eriel Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Fayetteville, NC, with a single mother and limited resources, was never easy. My mother worked tirelessly to make ends meet, leaving me to navigate much of my childhood on my own. Despite the financial struggles and the mental toll it took on my family, I excelled academically.

However, my journey was marred by a dark period of sexual abuse, a harrowing experience that left deep emotional scars, Rather than letting this trauma define me, I found solace and strength in creativity. Writing became my sanctuary, and I poured my pain and hope into poems and stories. By the time I reached college, I had transformed my experiences into powerful spoken word performances.

It was during these college years that the idea of creating a nonprofit organization first sparked in my mind. I envisioned a safe haven for at-risk, single-parented youth, where they could find their own voices through the arts, just as I had. I imagined a place where creativity could heal and empower, providing opportunities that I myself had lacked.

Today, at 29, I look back on my journey with a mix of pride and humility and I thank God. From a childhood shadowed by poverty and pain, I have emerged as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Through “GPS 9:35,” (Give Joy, Promote Peace, Spread Love) I have not only given a voice to the voiceless but have also turned my past struggles into a source of strength and empowerment for the next generation.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Warriors take the roads less traveled. The ones that haven’t been repaired in centuries. On top of sexual abuse and mental decline, I experienced homelessness, financial setbacks and what felt like a lack of genuine support and guidance.

But those obstacles never allowed me to stop pushing forward. My faith in Jesus would come and go, until I finally dedicated my life to him. I surrendered my pain and my struggles and gave them to God.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a spoken word artist and a first-year middle school English Language Arts teacher. My journey in the world of spoken word began back in Dallas, TX, where I performed on numerous stages for celebrations, meditations, and charity events. My poetry is a blend of raw and gentle, fire and love, and it has a way of bringing a profound heaviness to any room. One of my favorite poems, “Red Bird,” explores the poignant dynamics of a relationship where a woman feels the need to leave her partner to experience personal growth.

As an artist, I’m most proud of my ability to transform into a powerful force on stage despite my naturally gentle demeanor. This duality is what sets me apart. I channel my life experiences, my struggles, and my triumphs into my performances, creating an emotional and transformative experience for my audience.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve never had a license lol. I’ve never legally driven a car; the few times I have driven were for short durations of time. I took drivers Ed back in High School, but I barely passed and no one ever took me to get my permit. My mother never drove, so it never became a priority to me.

So I Uber most places, take public transportation, or ride my bike, she’s a cutie, pastel yellow and brown bike with a basket, her name is Dandelion Sunflower.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://GPS935.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.nnergy/