For Chicago poet and “inspiration architect” Monique McQuay (Mo Lessons), her poetry reflects, heals, connects, and honors the legendary people who are no longer here on Earth but once walked the same streets we walk today.
Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, McQuay grew up in Woodlawn and began writing at an early age. Her first poem came in third grade, but it was the loss of her grandfather a few years later that gave her writing a deeper purpose.
Her grandfather, whom she describes as her favorite person in the world, represented love to her.
“If there was anybody to be a personification of what love is, what it looks like, what it feels like, it would be my grandfather,” she recalled.
Growing up primarily with her mother, she also experienced seeing domestic violence in her household. She describes herself as a quiet child who often kept to herself, reading and writing while navigating questions about her identity and learning how to use her voice.
Writing became the place where she could put feelings; she didn’t yet know how to express herself.
That early relationship with words eventually led to young authors’ competitions and publications. Years later, poetry has evolved into something much larger: a creative platform, an upcoming album, a forthcoming book, and a renewed commitment to connecting with people through her words.
Monique says one of her recent accomplishments has been allowing herself to step outside of her comfort zone.
Although she has always loved spoken words, she didn’t necessarily identify herself as a spoken-word artist. Attending open mics helped her reconnect with her creativity.
“I was in a season where I just wanted to say yes, so I just started saying yes to anything to get me out of my comfort zone,” said Monique.
That decision eventually led to the release of her poem and collaboration with Graphic Beats Productions and Rex Hardy Jr., whom she credits as an important mentor.
“He was the one who really was like, ‘You need to put this out, Mo. You need to do something with this,’” she said.
The recording session ultimately produced more than the single poem. Ten additional tracks were recorded, laying out the foundation for the album she is now developing. Monique is also working on a book designed to coincide with the album.
Her latest creative work is deeply connected to Bronzeville, a neighborhood whose history, people, and institutions became the backdrop for her poem.
Monique works as a community outreach and engagement coordinator at Lurie Cancer Center, where her work has included connecting with grassroots organizations and communities around cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.
Her work in Bronzeville introduced her to community organizations doing hands-on work with residents.
One of those organizations is Sisters Working It Out, which hosts its Annual Fire Starters Bronzeville event for women ages 18 to 40, focusing on breast health, breast cancer, and cervical cancer awareness.
“Being a fire starter means recognizing that there is a flame that needs to continue to stay lit,” she explained.
The Chicago Defender in Poem “Only You”
Listen to “Only You” by Monique McQuay (Mo Lessons) on YouTube:
Only You — Monique McQuay (Mo Lessons)
The Chicago Defender is specifically referenced in Monique’s poem as part of the history she wanted listeners to remember.
For her, the newspaper represents more than a publication. It is part of the larger story of Black history in Chicago and the legacy of Bronzeville.
She researched the newspaper’s history while developing the poem “Only You’ because she wanted the reference to be intentional.
“Chicago Defender is a big part of that history, and that’s why I wanted to put that in there,” she said.
She also references the historic Wabash YMCA, another important part of Bronzeville’s history.
Her goal was to use poetry as a form of preservation to make history feel alive for the people listening.
“Even if it’s just for those few moments that you’re listening to the poem, like it’s your motivation, it’s your battery in your back, it’s your inspiration, it’s your encouragement,” she said.
While she hopes to leave financial resources to her family behind, she says the legacy she cares about most is one of love, encouragement, and motivation.
“More than anything, I want to leave a legacy of love,” she said. “I want to leave a legacy of encouragement and motivation.”
She thinks about the people who wake up each day questioning their value and wants her work to remind them that they matter.
As someone working in healthcare and community outreach, Monique says one of the issues affecting her most is the loss of funding for grassroots organizations that provide direct services and help connect residents to healthcare resources.
She also points to concerns surrounding violence, access to healthy food, clean water, and environmental issues.
Looking ahead five years, she wants to see Chicagoans become more connected to their communities.
“None of us can do this on our own, so we have to take care of each other,” she said.
What’s Next for Mo Lessons
The poem has already opened doors that Monique says she never expected.
In the coming months, she plans to continue developing her album and book while expanding Mo Lessons, her creative platform and women’s empowerment brand.
She also creates affirmation cards for women and children and plans to do more with the platform over the next year.
In November, she will host Sisters Working It Out’s annual Day of Beauty on November 14, an event focused on connecting people with resources. It will be her first time hosting the event.
Before that, she is scheduled to travel to Seattle for her first hosting session representing the Cancer Center, highlighting community work in Bronzeville focused on cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship care.
And then there’s her birthday.
Monique’s birthday is June 4, and she’s already envisioning an intimate poetry reading to celebrate something small and intimate in 2027.
Candles. Music. Poetry. Connections.
“I need to know that I’m evoking some emotions,” she said. “That is my absolute gift. … I need to connect with people. I need you to feel me.”
For Mo Lessons, “Remember who you are” is her tagline. It reflects the legacy she hopes to leave through her poetry, creative work, and commitment to inspiring others a legacy rooted in love, encouragement, and motivation.
As she continues to write, create, and step into new opportunities, Monique is carrying that message forward.
