DS Will

Peace & Good Morning,

This past weekend, I was honored to receive the 2024 Arts in Action Award, For artistic and community endeavors, from The M.A.N.ifest Committee & BrainSTEMology at the Inaugural Freedom Ball.

I was further honored at the Freedom of Expression Grand Finale showcase the following day. Receiving this distinction is one of the most significant and humbling highlights in my life.

I would personally like to thank both M.A.N.ifest, BrainSTEMology as well as EC3 Ministries and the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay- Varina for this noteworthy distinction!

Pictured here are as follows:

Qisoundra Flowers: Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay- Varina Chair & founder of M.A.N.ifest

Alex Flowers: CEO of BrainSTEMology & Pharmacist

Pastor Emmanuel Holland: Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay- Varina Board Vice Chair

Jersey, New York, and surrounding areas,today is the day! Tickets are now officially on sale for my featured appearance at Newark's second longest running Open Mic: Evolution: Dopen Mic!

It all goes down Saturday, July 13th at The CryOut Cave located in the historical Krueger -Scott Mansion.

Simply visit the link below to purchase your $10 advanced tickets or you can use one of the alternative purchase methods below.

I can't wait to hit the stage for this homecoming and remain grateful for this opportunity.1=2



Additional Purchase Methods
PAYPAL: [email protected]*
ZELLE: 8563970249*
APPLE PAY: 8563970249*

Evolution Dopen Mic 7/13 (Feat DS Will) EvoluCulture brings a double does of celebration Saturday July 13th at Cryout Cave for Evolution Dopen Mic: Poet DS Will, now residing in North Carolina returns to New Jersey as our feature for the evening. The Verbal Mayhem / Rutgers alum plans to showcase cinematic universes in his language. Plus,...

Peace,

Jersey!!! I'm coming home! I am happy to announce that I will be the featured poet for the July edition of Newark,New Jersey's 2nd longest running Open Mic: Evolution. I would like to wholeheartedly thank creative extraordinaire, and fellow Verbal Mayhem alumni, Sean Battle for this wonderful opportunity and homecoming. I look forward to reuniting with friends, family, and classmates. Tickets officially go on sale on June 15th. Keep your eyes on this space for the purchasing link. Let's get it! 1=2

Smitten (in E major)

Today, a muse decided to
leave her celestial perch
Along the way, she evacuated
my inhibitions that now pivot
to the tune of a songbird’s migration
Insulated goals kept on ice
ensured the cold comfort of off-kilter kismet
A pound of flesh appraised
by ethereal measures
was just the baseline needed
Strummed while snapping
fingers to her whispered echoes
So sweet of her to serenade
with spells of Portuguese love
Filtering through kindred memories
Searching for loose change of black gold
in hopes of purchasing the secrets
of how she balances a crown atop a halo
(1=2)

Esperanza Spalding

Peace,

It's been a while since I've felt a true sense of community and the village, so yesterday's "Night of Artistic Renewal" was a memorable and needed experience! I would first like to thank "Coach D" for orchestrating such a stellar showcase! She was more than just an organizer but the heart, soul, and guiding light throughout the journey. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that!

I also had the opportunity to experience some very dope creatives exhibit their gifts and talents as well as allow me to bask in their presence. Thank you for letting me witness and share in that experience.

I also want to thank everyone who came out to support me especially my sister and brother-in-law. Love you both!

Finally, to all the new individuals I had the opportunity to meet, break bread, laugh, and build with. Thank you for your company and exchanges.

This year, I neglected to share any New Year or Birthday reflections. So this post is multifaceted. I'm going to keep it simple though.

Last Summer, Pastor Emanuel Holland shared a moving sermon about finding your "There".

41 is all about finding my"There".
Here's to the voyage...1=2

Last week, I had the privilege of being interviewed by international poet and author Dionne Hunter for the Night of Artistic Renewal showcase.

Joined by esteemed poet laureate Essence Connor-Barringer, we delved into our anticipation for the upcoming show, emphasizing the significance of representation among other engaging topics.

Don't miss the debut of the interview tomorrow, April 21st, across various social media platforms. Limited tickets are still up for grabs for this spectacular event! Don't miss out on this family friendly event! 1=2

Peace,

I am excited to announce that I have partnered with the City of Durham Parks and Recreation and the WD Hill Center to bring you "Write on the Wall." The purpose of this workshop is the discovery of voice by strengthening esteem through artistic and poetic expression. I look forward to connecting with those in the community in the coming weeks and would like to thank Andre White for brokering this partnership!

You have three opportunities to experience this workshop starting Saturday,April 27th. To register, simply scan the QR code on the flyer or select the link below! Happy National Poetry Month! 1=2


https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/dprplaymore/activity/search/detail/15600?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&from_original_cui=true&fbclid=IwAR08gky8DmuKiBO9hQY4otD3zDCZ4HmmtDhVIT_TAnEao9Iuz5KZYknG1hU

Peace,

As featured on both Prime Video and IMDb, "A Night of Artistic Renewal" is a celebration of black excellence through artistry, aiming to unite and inspire by showcasing cultural appreciation and meaningful content. I am truly honored and excited to announce that I will be a part of this year's stellar lineup! This year's theme will focus on the importance of representation equaling power.

I would like to thank the visionary Dionne D. Hunter , not just for the opportunity, but for her tireless dedication to creating spaces for art to be exhibited.

This year's event will emanate from the Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Arts Center on April 28th in Charlotte, NC. The showcase begins at 5:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the link below. Looking forward to seeing you there.1=2

https://www.blumenthalarts.org/events/detail/a-night-of-artistic-renewal-representation-equals-power

"Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly."

Peace,
On January 15th, I have been bestowed with the honor of being the featured poet at the 20th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. I would like to personally thank Pastor Emanuel Holland & The Fuquay-Varina Cultural Arts Center for this privilege! Come join us in celebrating the legacy of our beloved trailblazer! 1=2

"Just be thankful, for what you got."

Moment of Public Transparency:

Humility should be used to anchor oneself in reality. However, I've allowed certain circumstances to keep me tethered for far too long!

The introduction of the Grammys spoken word category has me feeling more motivated than I have in months.

It's time to take my rightful place and let the ascension commence. I feel sorry for anything or anyone that stands in my way!

Celebrating momma's birthday with the King!

Peace,

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend an advanced screening of "The Burial," starring Jamie Foxx and Tommy Lee Jones. The movie is based on the true events of attorney Willie E. Gary and his ascent in the field of law. I described the film as a "satisfying, crowd-pleasing romp that takes liberties with its creative license yet maintains its charm due to Foxx's charisma and nostalgic soundtrack."

The icing on the cake, though, was actually getting the opportunity to meet Mr. Gary and his lovely wife, Gloria! You can support "The Burial" by streaming it on Amazon Prime today- CgN

Peace,
Had a wonderful time at the "All I Need is One Mic" showcase presented by Illusions. What Clevette Roberts created and sustained in the community of Kinston and beyond is something special and indicative of her character and efforts! It was truly loving and embracing! I enjoyed myself thoroughly and was very thankful for the invite! Thank you to all who came out to support and for all the artists that shared their gifts!

Peace,

God will always allow the truth to be told...

With that said, new article!!! I would like to thank editor Michael Alvarez of Bold Journey Magazine for this platform. In this write up, I speak candidly about developing confidence and esteem and how to thrive despite encounters with insecure gatekeepers and disingenuous opportunists. Click the link below to read the article in its entirety.

https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-ds-will/

Photographer: Polina Malinina
Location: Parque Glória Maria (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Reminder: This Saturday, I will be the featured poet at the "All I Need is One Mic Poetry" Showcase presented by Illusions hosted by Poet Laureate Clevette Roberts in Kinston, North Carolina!

Peace,
September 30th, I return to the stage as the feature for the Illusions: "All I Need is One Mic" showcase. I will be performing a full set of both seasoned and new material. I would personally like to thank the Poet Laureate of Kinston Clevette Roberts for this grand opportunity. Tickets can be purchased at the door or via cash app. See you there.

Highlights from Rio de Janeiro. I miss it already!

Escreva na parede

"I bought a ticket to the world
But now I've come back again
Why do I find it hard to write the next line?
Oh I want the truth to be said"

Photography:Polina Malinina
Museu da Chácara do Cé & Parque Glória Maria

(Poster Design by DS Will)

Peace Family,

The time has come to unveil the poster for my next film: Hidden!

Official Synopsis:
Haunted by the ghosts of suppression, eight souls fight to reclaim their identities from the clutches of anonymity.

Once again, I will be teaming up with the talented Aniya Bourne, founder of Bourne to Film and director of the film festival selected "Kings", to bring forth a unique, cultural, and cerebral experience!

The cast that has been amassed represents a collection of gifted creatives that have successfully manifested the vision.

Stay tuned for more details including the official screening date! Until then, 1=2

Peace,
Manifest weekend is upon us and this year will be bigger than ever! The festivities begin this Friday with the first ever In-Stem collaborative cypher presented by BrainStemology! I have the honor of serving as one of the featured Emcees.

The celebration continues with Manifest's official Juneteenth celebration. This year it will be in the form of an original dynamic play entitled "Freedom to What?' I will be performing a new original piece in this stirring production!

This year's Manifest celebration has already been featured on numerous news outlets so you definitely don't want to miss out! Thank you again to both & for the honored opportunity so once again participate. I hope to see you all at both events! 1=2

Peace,
Had a blast performing with some of Carolina's most gifted poets and creatives at the "Poetry is a Verb" event in Chapel Hill! I would like to thank the Poet Laureate of Chapel Hill for spearheading the event and the for hosting such a wonderful evening. It was great meeting so many talented souls. 1=2

Photos courtesy of

Two weeks ago, I had the chance to attend the first annual Black Comic Book Convention SableCon and it was everything and more!

I had the opportunity to engage in some fantastic dialogue with extremely gifted black creatives and the like. Our exchanges were so genuine and left me inspired with a warm sense of familiarity and inclusion. I even got the opportunity to take a picture with my favorite superhero!

A special shout out and thanks to (Matthew Jones) for spearheading this initiative as well as his foresight and community endeavors! Thank you for creating a space for us! I look forward to seeing your vision grow!

Also, a special shout out to & for making our superhero team up possible!

Below, you will find a partial list of some of the creators and cosplayers. Please support their pages. 1=2

The contradiction of eternity
usually involves a beginning
commencing at a conclusion
Similar to ashes formulating into a phoenix
Bathing in the rivers that roll
in the deepness of the shallow
A Goddess from the mud
shaming the porcelain princesses
Soliloquies of rhythm
rocking an ageless zeitgeist
Relevance is a sham
when the impact of s*x appeal
captures the culprits of myth
While influence floods the caves
that shelters imitation
Thrived in the face of survival
A four letter word that grew from
a second hand emotion: Tina

Highlights From DR!