Although born in Philadelphia, Johari Amini, who began her writing career as Jewel C. Latimore, must be defined as a Chicago poet. Her writing career coincides with the growth and development of several of that city's literary and cultural institutions. A founding member of Third World Press, the Writers Workshop of the Organization of Black American Culture (OBAC), the Kuumba Theater, and the Institute of Positive Education, Johari Amini has combined the careers of poet, educator, and health worker in an effort to restore wholeness to her people.

The first of six children of clergyman Vol William and songwriter Alma Bazel McLawler (composer of well-known gospel works, such as "If I Can Help Somebody"), Jewel Christine McLawler was something of a child prodigy. Under the nurturant guidance of her maternal grandmother, Frances Theresa Smith (herself a graduate from Knoxville College, teacher, elocutionist, missionary, and religious poet), young Amini...