The Jackson Heights Project: The Devastation Of An Innocent Family

About the Book

In The Jackson Heights Project, author Jo Anne Meadows pours out her heart about her struggles, trauma, and unforgettable experiences of her life and the life of her late dad. Throughout this memoir, Jo Anne shares what happened to her and her family as a result of living with an alcoholic and abusive dad. Her family was torn apart due to her dad’s illness and by certain people who were envious of him and a negative influence in his life. Jo Anne decided to write, and she titled her book The Jackson Heights Project because this is where she lived and grew up with her mom, dad, and seven siblings during the good and bad times of their lives. She regrets the life her family had after her dad started drinking and physically abusing her mom who did not deserve this type of treatment. Jo Anne’s dad was a hard worker, however, and was well known as a great gospel singer in the group the Valley Spiritual Singers. Jo Anne believes her dad would have had a great future with his gospel career if he had not started drinking. One day while performing at a gig, one of the greatest gospel groups of all-time the Mighty Clouds of Joy heard him sing and asked him to come join their group. He declined and gave up on everything he worked so hard for as his life fell into a downward spiral. In The Jackson Heights Project, readers will discover how this family managed to deal with the negative effects of alcoholism and what their lives were like after their various experiences of the devastation as an innocent family. Jo Anne currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with a family of her own and is still healing from her past. Sharing her story in the pages of this book has been very therapeutic. She dedicates this book to her late dad, Mr. Joseph “Joe” Meadows Sr. (April 1, 1936–November 4, 1983).

About the Author

Jo Anne Meadows: lyricist, poet, freelancer, and author of "I Want to Meet My Mama;" Getting To Know Her, presents her latest work in "The Jackson Heights Project;" The Devastation of An Innocent Family." Jo Anne was born in Lanett, Alabama on March 11, 1954 to Joseph Meadows, a factory worker and an orderly at a local hospital, and Annie Lou Meadows, a head start teacher. She is the eldest of eight children, the mother of five children, and a proud grandmother of eight grandchildren. Jo Anne has been writing stories, poetry, and producing lyrics since the tender age of twelve. The inspiration came from borrowing from the wisdom and encouragement of her dad, the late Joseph "Joe" Meadows Sr., an experienced artist himself. Jo Anne was inspired to write "The Jackson Heights Project" by the therapeutic process of telling her story, not only for herself, but for others to heal from. "The Jackson Heights Project" is Jo Anne's pride and joy and is written from her life experience. She hopes to inspire others who have gone through similar situations gain the courage to tell their stories as well.