Jessica Disu – FM Supreme

The Women’s Leadership Institute outdid themselves with their latest Studio Series event. What made this event so special, was that the guest speaker is not only an amazingly accomplished female leader – she is peer. At 26 years old, Jessica Disu (aka FM Supreme), as the head of the Chicago International Peace Movement, describes herself as a “humanitarian rap artist.”

As a young girl, Jessica spent four years in the foster care system. Once reunited with her mother, Jessica wanted nothing more than to make her proud. Music was the bond that strengthened their relationship. Jessica was convinced that by becoming a successful rap artist, she would garner her mother’s approval and admiration.

Turning to music for comfort, Jessica recognized her own story being reflected in the songs of performing artist Eve. It was during this time that Jessica discovered that she could “give rap a purpose – depth.” She wanted to use her music as a way to help others in the way that Eve’s music had helped her. Around this same time, in school, Jessica was learning about the Freedom Fighters and Assata Shakur. These studies helped to peak her interest in peace and social justice.

In high school, Jessica began writing poetry – winning the Chicago Youth Poetry Slam Festival, Louder Than A Bomb, twice. She took her writing skills into the classroom and started a program called “Her Story,” helping young girls to tell their stories as a means of healing. Jessica discovered that her calling was to “serve young people, specifically young women.” The success of the “Her Story” program launched Jessica into a career as an educator. She spent several years working within the school system, helping to inspire inner-city Chicago youth. With a deep spiritual conviction, Jessica felt God encouraging her to do more to bring young people into a movement for peace, “the solution is the kids.”

Jessica toured internationally with The Peace Exchange in 2013 for a Chicago-Asia coalition of young adults focused on promoting peace in Chicago. Jessica uses her music as a way to inspire others to promote peace within their own communities as well as to highlight the changes that need to be made.  Jessica has performed with many artists such as Russel Simmons, Nick Cannon and Lupe Fiasco. Through her music, her work as an educator, a public speaker, a peace advocate and the founder of Chicago International Youth Peace Movement – Jessica has had a positive impact on youth and adults alike, both nationally and internationally.

With a room full of busy college students, it was easy to feel overwhelmed while hearing about all of Jessica’s amazing work. When asked about how to best get involved, Jessica encouraged us to ask ourselves on a regular basis, “What can I do best to bring peace to my community?” And then do it.