Open Stage at the Poetry Potluck

On May 08, 2025, after more than 5 years in the making, "Complete The Mission", a work by Calvin madeS.O.N Early, was performed in front of an audience of more than 150 fans, family members, friends and artists also embarking on their own creative journeys. This one-man exhibition- an innovative anthology of poems presented as a dynamic performance that merges poetry, stand-up comedy, and storytelling, is a testament of Calvin's personal experiences, tragedies, and transformation, creating a living dialogue between his self and the audience.

On May 08, 2025, after more than 5 years in the making, "Complete The Mission", a work by Calvin madeS.O.N Early, was performed in front of an audience of more than 150 fans, family members, friends and artists also embarking on their own creative journeys. This one-man exhibition- an innovative anthology of poems presented as a dynamic performance that merges poetry, stand-up comedy, and storytelling, is a testament of Calvin's personal experiences, tragedies, and transformation, creating a living dialogue between his self and the audience.

On May 08, 2025, after more than 5 years in the making, "Complete The Mission", a work by Calvin madeS.O.N Early, was performed in front of an audience of more than 150 fans, family members, friends and artists also embarking on their own creative journeys. This one-man exhibition- an innovative anthology of poems presented as a dynamic performance that merges poetry, stand-up comedy, and storytelling, is a testament of Calvin's personal experiences, tragedies, and transformation, creating a living dialogue between his self and the audience.

On May 08, 2025, after more than 5 years in the making, "Complete The Mission", a work by Calvin madeS.O.N Early, was performed in front of an audience of more than 150 fans, family members, friends and artists also embarking on their own creative journeys. This one-man exhibition- an innovative anthology of poems presented as a dynamic performance that merges poetry, stand-up comedy, and storytelling, is a testament of Calvin's personal experiences, tragedies, and transformation, creating a living dialogue between his self and the audience.

Album: Verbal Vision

Our mixtape anthologies are a compilation of music, poetry, speeches, and varying sound bites. This curation is meant to be an extension of the "The Open Stage", providing an opportunity to further amplify the artists who share their stories with us. It is a listening space, a learning space, and a living artifact.

Our mixtape anthologies are a compilation of music, poetry, speeches, and varying sound bites. This curation is meant to be an extension of the "The Open Stage", providing an opportunity to further amplify the artists who share their stories with us. It is a listening space, a learning space, and a living artifact. Trigger Warning, was created with the idea of Freedom of Creativity at the forefront. Living in a world where AI can create art, we felt it was important to provide a reminder to breathe and create. All while having some type of pride.🖤🆘 The CUZZINs would like to thank and credit: Production & Editing by Erase the Hate Music mix by Dj SOS Mindful meditation by Say Sukii Sound therapy by Stephalie Canto Appearances from "The Open Stage" by: James Klynn Marcano Saxx Epiphany Jay Mel de Miami

Poem: "In Service/Our History" About the poet: James Klynn, an artist from Brooklyn, New York, blends poetry, MCing, and song writing into captivating performances. His work is a heartfelt journey, rich in storytelling and diverse styles, reflecting the vibrant rhythms of his life experience. With every piece, James invites you into his spiritual odyssey, sharing the depths of his soul. Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: "8 Bars of Soul" About the poet: Epiphany is a Broward County native and South Florida based spoken word artist, author, and activist that wears multiple hats from arts educator to Poet. Her heart often leads her to turn any conversation into a classroom. Epiphany writes about love, life, and the black experience in between. Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: "Female vs. Woman" About the poet: Made in Dade, multidisciplinary creative, community advocate, self taught artist, Mel De Miami is passionate about serving her community through the arts and advocacy with a particular focus on empowering youth to engage with their communities. Much of her art practice revolves around femininity and exploring its many hues. Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: "Promise Land" About the poet: From a small town near Savannah, GA. I’ve been writing since a young age but i started performing at Valdosta State University thanks to a friend who convinced me to share. I became the President of Deep Release Poetry Society and performing has been my therapy every since. I’ve performed in my hometown, Jacksonville, Orlando, New York and now Miami. I plan on touching every stage I can and sharing my vulnerability with those who are open to listen. Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: "Overthinkers Mind" About the poet: A Young Black Queer Female poet from Palm Beach Florida Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: "Better Luck Next Time" About the poet: Miami native by way of the Dominican Republic. Spoken word poet, Recording Artist, and producer. Current project “Be Kind Rewind” is out now. Sounds by: @DJSOS Production by: Erace the Hate Media

The Will Da Real One Bell Revisionist Poetry Prize was created to honor the life and legacy of it's namesake In this competition, participants will re-imagine a poem written by Will "Da Real One". They will spend time with the poem and find their own version of events.

Poem: A Soft Life About the Poet: T. Odis is a poet from Dallas, TX by way of Chicago, IL. He began using poetry as a means of catharsis, and has since embraced his unique writing, performance, teaching and corporate experience to entertain, inform and organize events nationwide. He is a nationally ranked slam poet, and is currently a member of the Loc’d and Loaded Slam Team. He is an HBCU alumnus, has published three books of poetry, and performs in venues and festivals nationwide with his poetry family, the Grand Griots. He is a husband, father, architect, and teaching artist. Production by: Erace the Hate

Poem: God is Love About the Poet: Douglas Powell/Roscoe Burnems is a spoken-word artist, teaching artist, comedian, and Richmond, Virginia's Inaugural Poet Laureate. He has dedicated his craft to entertaining and educating and normalizing conversations around mental health. Production by: Erace the Hate

Poem: Untitled About the Poet: Raised in South Central Los Angeles, exposed to a melting pot of different cultures which allows for him to have a broad canvas for his work. Wayne Henry moved to Dallas TX in 2008 and has become a passionate poet who writes each line to watch it come alive through poetry. Dedicated to bringing awareness to issue such as mental health, oppression, depression and concepts of spiritual growth. Poet, teacher, father and P.O.C enthusiast. Passion with purpose pushes life to new heights. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: Wedding Bells About the Poet: Mic Phelps is a poet, rapper, producer, actor, and most of all a father. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: #CancelAmerica About the Poet: Slangston Hughes is a National Slam Champion based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Artistic Director of DewMore Baltimore, former coach of the 2 time world champion Baltimore City Youth Poetry Team. And founder as well as team member of the 7X champion Slammageddon Baltimore adult slam team. The winniest team in poetry slam history. As well as the author of the poetry collection “Slanguage Arts & Griot Glimpses” and the forthcoming book “God's Favorite Breakdance Move.” Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: Wade in the Martyr ### About the Poet: Lyrical Faith is a Black American educator, activist, and spoken word poet from the Bronx, New York.  Lyrical Faith has performed and spoken at national and international colleges, universities, and venues. She is a two-time Bronx Poet Laureate finalist, a multi-time award recipient of citywide and statewide arts agencies, third-ranked in the 2022 Women of the World Poetry Slam, and the 2015 Syracuse University Poet of the Year.  Her work has been featured on NPR, Button Poetry, Write About Now Poetry, Huffington Post Black Voices, and News 12 The Bronx.  Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: Black Girl Magic About the Poet: May Reign is a poet, author, and well traveled, Spoken Word artist from Miami, Florida. In 2011, she found herself single, facing the challenges of motherhood on her own. She had already developed a love for candles, and used them quite regularly in her meditation regimen. She was making candles as gifts for friends and family, when it dawned on her that this could be a way to make extra money. May Reign began more diligently researching the benefits of aroma therapy and how it could be beneficial. Before long, May became the go-to person for locals suffering from anxiety and sleep deprivation, depression, and mental fatigue. Although May Reign does not have a medical background, several repeat customers proclaim that her candles are an essential part of their meditation as well. In 2018, May Reign began creating other natural self care products to include body butter, body scrub, bath teas, and soap. As she continues to evolve as a creative, her story is a testament of empowerment for other women like her. Produced by: Erace the Hate

Poem: Diary of Reform About the poet: When asked what keeps him humble in an arena that he seems to dominate wherever he goes, his reply is this, "I am never bigger than the poems I write or the people who listen to them." A five time nationally televised spoken word artist, two of his national appearances include performances on back-to-back seasons on the HBO program Russell Simmons presents HBO's Def Poetry Jam. One, most notably his performance of what would come to be known as his signature piece “Diary of Reform”. Will was a pillar and a mentor in the South Florida arts community. Although we lost Will physically in 2011, his spirit and legacy live on through those who know his heart and all that he desired for community he poured so much of himself into.

Poem: I love Black Men About the Poet: Jo, or A Cup of Jo, is a Jamaica-born poet, host, and visual artist living in SoFlo. Jo is a founding member of a collective of poets called The Goat Pen Society who have biweekly open mic nights in Oakland Park, Fl. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: Come See Bout Me About the Poet: At the core, Tif Boom has an infectious attitude that defies excuses and radiates boundless positive energy, inspiring others to embrace hope. Her commitment to minority communities, mental wellness, and the art form of spoken word poetry has positioned Tif Boom as a beacon for social impact and cultural enrichment. Collaborations with industry-leading brands like Footlocker and Chick-Fil-A, as well as involvement with the United Nations Human Rights Organization, underscore the brand's global reach and influence. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Thabo Courtney is a Neo Soul singer who uses his voice to capture hearts and build his community. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem 1: Vocal-Less Poem 2: Harvey Dent About the Poet: Salam The Poet, spoken word artist from Chicago, has been writing, performing, and inspiring for over a decade. Some of his most memorable performances were at Bantu Fest, The Perez Art Museum (PAMM), Columbia College Chicago’s ‘Manifest’, and The Broward Center for Performing Arts. When he's not traveling, he hosts his own open mic space titled 'Spit Yo Peace' and is a committed member of The Goat Pen Society’. Salam the Poet proudly serves as Poet Laureate of the Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater where he continues to use art to co-create safe spaces to affirm, heal, and transform community. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: A View from the Bridge About the Poet: Benjamin the Brain is a prolific writer hailing from South Florida. He is a gifted writer in various fields, from music to storytelling. As an author and spoken word artist, he uses his command of words and language to paint vivid pictures that take the reader on a journey. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem: A star is born About the Poet: Raised in Little Haiti, I like to implement flavors of my personality into my Poetry. From Caribbean culture to my love for God, I use my love for life to write these words. Production by: Erace the Hate Media

Poem 1: Florida Boyz Poem 2: Religious About the Poet: Epiphany, affectionately known as Piph, is a multi-hyphenate artist blooming from Broward County, FL. She’s most proud of being a storyteller and griot. Writing and performing for over a decade, Epiphany finds her safe space in pages but is eager to document her journey in “dangerous” (read: honest) places. Her joy is exploring love, life, and the black experience in between. Production by: Erace the Hate Media