Creative’s Q&A with Sage Justice

The Power of Words: Art, Justice, and Speaking Truth with Compassion

Creativity isn’t just self-expression, it’s a force for justice, a call to community, and a tool for change. Creatives like Sage Justice remind us that artistry, advocacy, and radical empathy aren’t separate forces; they are intertwined, shaping the way we create, connect, and challenge the world around us.

As a writer, performer, educator, and activist, Sage’s work spans poetry, journalism, public speaking, social advocacy, and more. She’s performed on major stages, singing backup for the incomparable Diana Ross at the Super Bowl XXX half time show, appearing in a dozen episodes of General Hospital, and starring in a Clio-nominated commercial. A longtime performer, she was also a member of North Hollywood’s long-running improv group, Slow Children at Play.

Alongside her performance career, Sage’s work as a spoken-word poet and educator uses the power of voice to bridge divides, spark dialogue, and advocate for change.

From an early age, Sage saw her purpose as making society more equitable while entertaining along the way. (I’d say she nailed it.) She is the founder of Sage Words, a platform dedicated to meaningful storytelling, integrity in media, and courageous conversations.

Her commitment to activism runs deep. Sage even co-founded a program that would pair performers with charitable organizations in need of service. This initiative reflects a core truth about Sage: her art and advocacy are inseparable.

Her words are calls to action. Whether she’s covering artistic integrity, plagiarism in publishing, or the ethics of social discourse, she speaks with a clarity that invites engagement rather than division.

In this Q&A, Sage opens up about turning pain into empowerment, the truths reflected in her creative process, and why this chapter of her life is all about freedom.

What I Love About Sage

I first discovered Sage on Substack, and I was immediately drawn to her voice. Not just as a writer, but as someone who embodies deep empathy and pro-human values. Her work is compassionate, powerful, and unapologetically truthful, yet never seeks to shame or divide.

Recently, she covered a potential plagiarism issue between a beloved poet and a well-known speaker/author. Personally I tend to default to assuming the best in everyone, and her pieces really made me reflect on how protecting ones creativity and honoring authorship is an act of self-love.

I got so much from her perspective that I shared it, wanting more people to see the conversation she was fostering.

Her response to me was one of profound understanding and integrity. She wrote:

"We all have a voice of power when we speak up. We must stand up for each other because it’s the right thing to do and so that when we are in need, others stand up for us. This is community. We don’t cancel, we call out, and we demand restorative justice."

That single message told me everything I needed to know about who she is. She doesn’t just advocate for justice, she advocates for justice with compassion. That’s rare, and it’s deeply beautiful.

Sage’s work isn’t about simply pointing out problems; it’s about offering solutions, holding space for nuance, and inviting people into the conversation rather than shutting them out. I knew from that moment that I wanted to be friends with her.

Let’s dive in.

Q&A with Sage

1. What’s a moment from your life that you’ve turned into creative gold, whether through writing, art, or simply the way you’ve reframed it for yourself?

I turned pain into empowerment, when I wrote the the poem, Maturity. It was a satisfying flow of words that came to me instantaneously, which brought me comfort and clarity through creativity. I think anyone who has ever had to end a relationship will relate to the struggle of holding forgiveness in the heart, while setting boundaries that protect us. The original word count was over 4,000. The edited excerpt that was published in Sage Words FREEDOM Book One, was just over 800. Sometimes “Creative Gold,” is the act of editing; chipping away at the marble for the sculpture. If the writer is Clark Kent, the editor is Superman and trying to be both at the same time is Kryptonite.

2. If your writing or art were a mirror, what truths has it reflected back to you lately?

In January 2025, I broke the story about Mel Robbins’s alleged plagiarism of the book The Let Them Theory, by poet Cassie Phillips, who authored the original viral poem “Let Them”. I’ve since written multiple pieces on the topic (part 5 released yesterday). One of the truths that has been reflected back to me, as a result of this writing, is the necessity for courage in everyday people to rise up with strength and kindness in equal proportions. For us all to speak truth to power in every area of our lives, from politics to personal, to create the world in which we want to live. Other reflected truths are integrity, justice, ownership, and a shift from “call out culture” to “call in culture.” We have to make it safe to tell the truth, if we want people to be honest. Human beings are imperfect by nature. If we shame people into silence, we don’t teach them not to make bad choices, we teach them how to not get caught in the future. If we want to bring out the best in each other, we have to let go of moral superiority or inferiority and focus on our oneness. There is a graceful way in which Mel Robbins can respond; she just might not see it yet. I hope to offer compassionate examples on how to apologize, take accountability, and atone through repair, from the extensive writing I’ve done on these topics. These are the universal truths being reflected to me, and they lead into your next question perfectly.

3. What’s a piece of creative work that feels like a mirror to your soul?

In answering this question, I’m going to refer to some of the most highly regarded people in history, many of whom have been criticized as well as praised. As no human being is perfect, neither are our heroes. I don’t mean to imply that I’m on their level or do things as well as they did, just that who they are (or were) resonates within me and inspires me. I take what energizes me and release what does not.

The book, To Kill a Mockingbird, is a mirror to my soul because it exemplifies what it means to have integrity and no characteristic has been a greater guide to me than integrity.

Growing up, I was denied access to my ethnically mixed father and his family, so I imagined Maya Angelou as my auntie and Martin Luther King, Jr, to be my father. They are mirrors to my soul through the character of their convictions, belief in equality, and passions for truth, justice, and enlightened evolution. I carry Maya’s wisdom with me like a first aid kit for the spirit, these words of hers being one example: “I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” She is my teacher through each stage of life.

Noam Chomsky mirrors many of my soul’s political reflections, which relates to art because as the poet, Percy Bysshe Shelley stated, “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.” Artists shape politics and social purview; as a cyclical result, politics impact poets who are better served by being politically educated. Most of my beliefs are in alignment with Noam Chomsky’s entire body of work and perspective on the propaganda of politics. Particularly his book Manufacturing Consent (or the more easily digestible documentaries: Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media and Requiem for the American Dream which are available for free on YouTube).

It doesn’t matter what team we say we’re on if the league that owns both teams is corrupt. I reject tribalistic politics and the undemocratic, American, two-party political system (while also knowing that until a third party can stand equal to the two already present a third party vote can be arguably more destructive than constructive). I stand in the middle to see all sides, not as a way of remaining neutral but as a form of survival in seeing the direction of shots fired that will impact American life. In a Corporatocracy, which is what America has become, shots are indeed fired from both sides of the political aisle.

Historically, the definition of what it means to be a “democrat” or a “republican” have changed more than once; whereas the definition of what it means to be a humanitarian, has remained relatively the same, and therefor, that is my political association/identification, Humanitarian: to care about the well-being of all humans, regardless of political or religious associations, gender identifications, ethnicity or socio-economic status.

I’ve found it far more frightening to sit with a group of people in silence thereby, complicit, than to bravely stand alone to speak truth with courage. Noam isn’t afraid to speak his truth before anyone else is willing to corroborate it and I do my best to emulate his confidence in this area. He knows, through his own intellect, knowledge, and experience what he holds to be true, and doesn’t need to have the validation of a popularity poll, before he takes a stand. Noam Chomsky appeals to my desire to innovate: to introduce new ways of thinking and behaving.

Frida Kahlo’s work through chronic pain is what inspired me not to give up after my diagnosis of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

The film, Gandhi, is a mirror to my soul in the portrayal of his peaceful courage and conviction. I’ve spent my entire life doing my best to balance my spiritual beliefs of oneness, unconditional love, and kindness with the need to have the courage to speak up, the fearlessness to fight back, and the conviction to hold on to my boundaries. I wish the movie, Gandhi, were required viewing. If so, true civic engagement might save us from our dystopian decent. Gandhi, in his “non-cooperation” act of civil disobedience, was really my first teacher on the power of resolve.

Barbra Streisand has been a mirror to my soul since childhood. She was my imaginary mother after I was left in the care of being raised by my grandparents. I’m still gratefully picking out glass from the bottom of my feet, after the ceiling Barbra Streisand broke for all women with her directing/starring/producing of Yentle.

Barbra’s portrayal of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl rang heartachingly true: when we first heard the line, “I’m a bagel on a plate of onion rolls,” everyone in my childhood home pointed at me. I still feel in many ways like the love child of Gandhi and Barbra Streisand. I hope my next one-woman show will combine my love for performing with the necessity of my activism and inspire others to rise up for themselves and others.

4. When do you feel most alive in your creative process? Describe it as though it were a scene in a story.

I feel most alive in my creative process during these three stages:

Beginning: The “do not disturb” sign is up. An idea is being conceived.

As you approach my bedroom door you see a fluffy, ice blue hair tie (from my daughter’s bygone Frozen Halloween costume), that’s hanging on the doorknob. This means I’m in bed, where I most often write, furiously two-finger typing ideas that I woke with and can’t be interrupted. I’m pulsing with life. Inspiration as my alarm clock. I wake with dictation from the sleepy world and type as fast as I can, before I forget the messages received. I will spend days, weeks, or months crafting the dreamy download into what I hope will at least amount to a quotable aphorism, or humorous epigram, to encourage humanity.

Middle: Being pregnant and gestating with a creative “baby.”

A moment comes during the finishing stages of publishing that includes a knock at my bedroom door. (Even though I am married, I have a room of my own, per Virginia Woolf’s instructions and my great-grandmother’s as well.) It’s my beloved husband and daughter. They are bringing me a celebratory scone and a cuppa Darjeeling tea, delivered to me in bed, on my favorite dusty blue wooden tray that was hand carved in India (and purchased at TJ MAXX). The book cover is perfect (or acceptable), and the book preview arrives:

1. after it’s been edited for grammar, punctuation, and spelling

2. after it’s been edited, following a beta-read by a group of respected peers, and many of their comments/suggestions/corrections have been incorporated

3. after it’s been edited for core content

4. after it’s been edited to add humor

5. after it’s been edited to add timely relevance

6. after it’s been edited to make it evergreen

7. and then, after it’s been edited to take all that out and make it shorter. Finally, it’s ready to share; and I feel alive.

End: My creation is born. I get to share it with the world.

After years of collecting notes, months writing a new piece, and weeks memorizing, rehearsing, and promoting, I release the performance (of the comedy bit, the poem, the song, or the new book). My name is called. I enter the stage. The spotlight, a blinding shower to wash away ego attachment. It activates my agreement to be so present that what I’m about to do will lack self-conscious awareness or judgment. I show up ready, relaxed, and I commit to the audience. We embrace, breathe, and form a rhythm. Their attentiveness and responsiveness plays a major part in how this feels in my body, in my spirit, and in my soul. I reciprocate their every wave of support and surrender myself completely. I hear music and laughter, I smile, I cry, I give, I receive. I’m alive. I release my creative juices and leave it all on the stage. The presentation ends. The applause begins. I’m glowing with gratitude, as I catch my breath while taking my bows.

All cheekiness and humor aside, association with sex is completely coincidental; but making art, and writing is art, is absolutely a form of making love. It requires us to be naked, vulnerable, receptive, and giving. The more we trust our partner (the audience), the more relaxed we are and the better the experience for all involved. We don’t have to explain ourselves, because we know we are already accepted, we belong.

5. If you had to name the chapter of your life that you’re in now, what would it be called?

Freedom! That’s where I am at this stage in my life: in the process of getting rid of most of my material possessions so that I can be a full-time global nomad; “living simply so that others can simply live,” as Gandhi said; writing, performing, creating, educating, and traveling with my two great loves, and my co-partners in the artists collective, SoulJourners: my music composer husband, Geoff Grace and our filmmaker daughter, Gracie Justice.

My husband offered an alternative name to this chapter in my life, “Extra Innings,” because according to doctors, I wasn’t supposed to live this long. This year marks seven years I have lived beyond my life expectancy, may I live as many more as I am healthy enough to enjoy them, and may I continue to make choices that support my health.

Sage’s reflections remind us that creativity is not just an act of expression, but a force for justice, truth, and transformation. Her words challenge, inspire, and call us to engage with the world in a way that is both bold and compassionate. In researching the breadth of Sage’s career, I found myself intensely motivated and inspired to keep pushing forward in my own work. If her words resonate with you, I highly encourage you to check out her extended bio on her website. She is a truly impressive woman.

The 2nd edition release of her book, Freedom: How to Create a Life You don’t Need a Vacation From, comes out May 31st. I can’t wait for the world to read it. Keep an eye out, you won’t want to miss it!

If you’d like to follow her work and connect further, you can find her here:

Substack: SageJustice.Substack.com
Website: SageWords.org
Instagram: @SageWords2027

Thank you for stopping by you beautiful creative!
As always, I love yo face!
MJ

P.S. I’d love to hear your thoughts! What stood out to you about Sage and her creative journey? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. Let’s celebrate creativity together!

If this resonated, share, save, or tag a fellow creative who’d love it!
(Updated 3/16/2025)