✨Our people are on the ballot. Let’s move like it✨ Family, Something beautiful is happening. Several members of our creative circle have been nominated for the National Spoken Word Awards, and I want us to pause long enough to let that land. This is more than a flyer. More than a category. More than just a number next to a name. This is proof that the work has been traveling. Now the ballot is listening. ✨ Miss Lady has been nominated for #18 — Best Storyteller. ✨ EDJ (Miss Lady’s daughter) has been nominated for #12 — NSWA Best Youth Poet, representing Pittsburgh, PA with a voice already making grown rooms pay attention. ✨ Angel Kim has been nominated in multiple categories, including #2 — Best Spoken Word Female, #3 — Blaq Ice Award / Best NSWA Entertainer, and #22 — NSWA Overcomer of the Year. ✨ Big Crave, also known as Lyrical Exodus, has been nominated for #3 — Blaq Ice Award / Best NSWA Entertainer and #15 — NSWA Best Spiritual Poet. ✨ Tierrah Nicole has been nominated for #16 — Rising Star. Talk about team testimony! If their words have ever made you feel seen, moved, challenged, witnessed, or simply reminded that language still has work to do, this is the moment to put that impact on record. 🗳️ Vote. 📣 Share. 💬 Comment. 📱 Tap their names. Send the link to someone who loves poetry, performance, testimony, Black artistry, independent voices, youth brilliance, comeback stories, and rooms where language still matters. Are we are celebrating the nominations? Absolutely. But we are also practicing something deeper: When one of us gets called forward, we do not let them stand there alone. The room is listening. Let the ballot hear us too. 🗳️ Vote here: https://shout.com/s/iXedCkDb/i/2313048/q/7052335 1. Vote once per day this month 2. One vote per device #2 — Southern Seoul (AK) #3 — Lyrical Exodus (Big Crave) #12 — EDJ #15 — Lyrical Exodus (Big Crave) #16 — Tierrah Nicole #18 — Miss Lady

As we approach our first year anniversary, I think it’s a good idea to take a look at what we have accomplished together. There’s so much more in store, but it’s important to appreciate how far we have all come in this journey! Angel Kim and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for helping us shape this into the experience it has grown into. We couldn’t have done it without you. And as we move toward the next chapter, we hope that you all will continue to support each other as you always have. Our goal is not to simply survive, but to thrive. And it is our mission to provide resources and opportunities that will make that possible. Stay Zen!

✨Thank y’all for staying diligent with your engagement. You all make this app thrive and we so appreciate you.✨ Our TOP Three ⭐️: @Naomie Thomas @Michelle Cox @Ericka Floyd Honorable Mentions: @Laron Henderson @Tierrah Nicole @Mick Collins @Craven Smith @Antwion Shamar @Abronia Scott

Yes, we have one. Yes, we’re adding more playlists, broadcasts, and other goodies. If you haven’t subscribed yet, now is a good time! Pardon us as we are restructuring 🙃https://youtube.com/@stayzenverse?si=uXvYCFCGV6APiz0x

June 12, 2026 The Stay Zen Verse is looking to grow, and we’re searching for people who don’t just love words — we’re looking for people willing to use them. If you know a writer, poet, storyteller, spoken word artist, or creative thinker who enjoys being challenged, encouraged, and inspired, send them our way. We’re building more than a community.We’re building a space where creativity is exercised, voices are sharpened, perspectives are expanded, and growth is welcomed. We’re especially looking for individuals who: ✍️ Enjoy writing and creative expression📖 Participate in prompts and discussions🎤 Support fellow creatives🌱 Want to grow their craft alongside others🤝 Value community and meaningful engagement A thriving community is built by active members who show up, share, and pour into one another. If someone comes to mind, please have them reach out to me directly so I can provide them with the information and invitation link to join us. Let’s continue building something worth belonging to. With Gratitude, Angel Kim Co-Owner, Stay Zen Verse “Where creativity finds community, and community inspires growth.”