- For a sample of Wisdom's work select "Airborne" from the list on the right.
- For pictures of the Jan 14, 2010 Living Words event select "jan 14 2010" on the right.
Monica Daye is the voice for many silent whisperers; a leader, advocate, poet, and women’s activist. Hailing from Durham, North Carolina this fearless woman, and fierce spit-fire poet touches audiences around the country with her biting poetry, soulful stories, and heartfelt commitment to the healing of women and community. Through the gift of spoken word poetry Daye shares her intimate story of surviving sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Daye was raped at a church convention at the age of 11; a teenage run-away, and in her first abusive relationship at the age of 13. Bad choices, and hanging with the wrong crowd led Daye to a youth detention facility and classified as a juvenile delinquent at the age of 14—she was incarcerated for two years. After her release from the youth detention facility, Daye was still searching to fulfill the void of emptiness she carried in her spirit since the beginning of her abusive journey. In search for love and acceptance she found herself wrapped in the arms of another abusive man at the age of 17. How did she survive? Daye shares this story as her testimony that God and her gift of poetry was truly her savior. Through poetry she captures all generations and gives hope to those facing the same obstacles she has overcome.
Capturing the poetry scene by storm at the young age of 19, she performed at her first open mic at Yancy’s Night Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. The release of her first book, And
You Thought You Had Problems: Well This Is My Life, in January 2004 directed her path towards community activism, poetry slams, theatrical performances, community organizing, workshop facilitation, media marketing, and radio personality—talents she never knew she possessed. Since dedicating her life full time to the gift of poetry and the women’s movement, Daye has featured at many of the local poetry venues, universities, (North Carolina Central University, University of Chapel Hill, Meredith College, NC State University, Shaw University, Duke University, University of Vermont, University of Denver, University of Pembroke), and churches (Union Baptist, Victorious Praise, Mount Zion AME, Compassion Ministries, Trinity AME, New Hope Baptist, New Life Community Church) across the East and West coast—Albuquerque, New Mexico, Vermont, Chicago, Denver, Colorado, Austin, Texas, Montgomery, Alabama, Jacksonville, Florida, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Manhattan, New York, Atlanta, Georgia, Columbia, South Carolina, Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and many others in the last 10 years. She has been a guest feature on several local and national radio programs; raising awareness on women’s issues, domestic violence, sexual abuse, child abuse, HIV prevention, and gang violence; just to name a few. Organizing and performing at Bimbe, Centerfest, Martin Luther King Festival, National Organization for Women, Hip-Hop Feminist Nation, Durham Parks and Recreation Community Day, Juneteenth, and many others. Daye has graced stages with legends of poetry such as The Last Poets in 2007, and been an opening act for Adina Howard, and Ky-mani Marley.
As the founder of STANDUP- SPEAK OUT, Monica's personal mission is to speak out and act out against sexual violence and domestic abuse. STANDUP-SPEAKOUT (S.U.S.O) was founded in the spring 2005, a community outreach program against domestic violence and sexual assault. Daye organized S.U.S.O's first series of community events in April 2005 to promote awareness on violence against women. In addition to community awareness S.U.S.O launched its first community-wide collection drive in April 2005--collecting personal hygiene items for battered women’s shelters and rape crisis centers in the state of North Carolina. Since the launching of S.U.S.O the programs and services have expanded which has led the small outreach program into the direction of becoming a state and nationally recognized non-profit organization.
Daye has been nominated for several awards during the course of her journey of community activism; a four-time award winner honored by the National Underground Spoken Word & Poetry Awards in 2007: Best Female Spoken Word Artist, Best Album of the Year (7 Days of Freedom), Best Album Cover (7 Days of Freedom), and Community Oriented Underground Poet's Award 2006-2008.
Daye’s first album, 7 Days of Freedom a passionate collection of poetry mixed with hip hop music was released in May 2006 to a sold out audience in Downtown Durham. The album tells real stories about violence against women, relationships, spiritual warfare, youth violence, and freedom; an ear opening experience of poetic truth that has captured the young and old--tracks such as “Sound da Sirens”, “3 Years”, “I’m At War”, and “6ft. Deep”. Produced by ME MusicWorks Studio in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the album sold over 7,500 copies underground within the first year. 7 Days of Freedom is a classic collectible for now and future generations. Daye is currently working on a 2nd album, a book, and a documentary of her life story.
Daye has starred in several stage plays that include Anatomy of a Woman Abused, HerStory of Love: A Stronger Daye; a poetic theatrical production, and Campaign For Change-
Riding with Joe Crack; an anti-gang production. She wasfeaturedin Street Life Educationin 2008; nominated and awarded Best Segment;a documentary that focuses on the challenges ofAmerican youth. In addition, she also featured in Healing through Spoken Word: A Survivor’s Story;a documentary released in October 2009—addressing domestic violence and the healing benefits of spoken word.
Founder and Organizer for Shairi’s “Spit That Poetry”(2005-2008); a local poetry venue held in Durham was rated the#1 poetry venue in North Carolina. Shairi’s open mic was more than a regular poetry venue, it stood on community morals and values,and family--a relaxed atmosphere full of good vibes, and positive energy—a place where people was not only entertain but educated as well. Welcoming the stage to all generations with a 7 year old being the youngest poet to perform at Shairi’s. Shairi’s Radio WXDU 88.7fm (2006-2008) was a collaboration with the poetry venue, bringing the stage to the airwaves. Daye created a platform for local and national underground artist to be heard on radio airwaves, addressing real issues happening in the world--allowing the community to voice their thoughts and poetry for the world to hear.
Shairi’s Radio was not only a local radio program, the show has featured national poets such as; 13th of Nazareth, Talaam Acey, Bluz, Queen Sheba, The Original Woman, and Saul Williams, just to name a few--national recording artist such as Adina Howard, Common, Baby Cham, Ky-maniMarley (Bob Marley’s son), Wayne Wonder, Professor Griff (X Clan),Last Poets, Jaisun McMillian,and many others.The show aired for three years everyFriday night until December2008 when Daye decided to say goodbye to Shairi’s to focus on personal goals—family and education.
Majoring in Psychology at the University of Phoenix, Daye plans to get her Masters in Art Therapy, and her Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology. She envisions ways to utilize the arts as a way to aid people in overcoming traumatic experiences. Using her own life journey as model for a therapeutic process, Daye has effectively used poetry, music, journaling, visual arts, drama and dance as way to unlock the mystery of pain that hindered her own emotional instability. As a therapist she plans to work with victims of abuse and batterers to get at the root causes and to end the vicious cycle of domestic violence. As both a victim of and an abuser, Daye seeks to show the emotional scares caused by abuse, and how those abused grapple with understanding and contending with the consequences of abuse.
Monica’s journey is a celebration of the power of transformative change--raped at a young age, abused as an adolescent, troubled and rebellious as a teen, lost and confused as a young adult--words paved the way for the emergence of a powerful new voice. Daye stands up and speaks out to those denied their own voice. She has tackled the confusion caused by pain, and stands on the brink of the unfolding of new possibilities.
Workshops
Black Eyes Don’t = L.O.V.E
Domestic Violence is a societal problem of epidemic proportions. Experts estimate that 2 to 4 million women are battered every year and between 3.3 and 10 million children witness violence in their homes. This workshop is designed to increase empathy for victims and promote community awareness. Individuals who participate in this informative workshop will gain an understanding of domestic violence, its’ warning signs, and the psychological effects abuse has on a victim and a victim's children. Upon completion of this workshop attendees will be able to identify domestic abuse, understand a victim’s rights, establish a safety plan, and learn how to assist a victim/family member dealing with domestic abuse. This presentation is very informative, and interactive. This workshop varies to accommodate age appropriateness.
Dispatch 911
"I told but no one believed me." Does this sound familiar? Have you been a victim of sexual assault, molestation, incest, or rape? Have you ever tried to tell someone and they didn’t believe you? Many victims of sexual violence have experienced this scenario. Most people who experience this scenario feel as though they have no other options. DISPATCH 911 was designed to identify sexual violence against children, and to help people become aware of signs, behaviors, and psychological affects sexual abuse has on a victim. Upon completion of this workshop attendees will be able to understand sexual abuse, how to identify abuse, and how to protect and prevent sexual violence in their community.
SuperSTAR Teens: Building Self-Esteem Teenage years are the most challenging years in our lives. As teens we are faced daily with the pressures of our peers, and influence that can break down our confidence and destroy our self esteem.
Understanding who you are and gathering your own personal concept helps to establish internal motivation and in return gradually builds self esteem. This fun interactive workshop will help teens to understanding their self esteem and to face the truth about how they feel about themselves. The workshop will discuss affects of low self esteem, and how it can cause other problems such as depression, and academic failure. Through self esteem and confidence activities participants should learn about highs and lows of self esteem—suggestions will be provided on how to maintain positive self esteem, and learn to love the SuperSTAR within.
Artistic Expression
Let’s write poetry! Let’s write short stories! Let’s be creative! This workshop is fun and laid back, available for all ages. Whether you are a writer, or dream to become a writer let’s explore the hidden elements of creativity hidden between the matrix of your thoughts. Come laugh, write, share, and explore artistic expression. Participants will learn about different styles of writing poetry, and short stories.
Booking/Contact Information
919-824-0494
Email: bookings@monicadaye.com or info@monicadaye.com
Available for speaking engagements, poetry presentations, and workshops
Book Monica Daye for your next event…Call today!
Just a teen herself and raised in a home with a father who suffered from the disease of addiction, the Lord led Rhonda to write the play "Intoxication: Don't Get High" Give Jesus A Try!” Rhonda auditioned and cast local teens, many who also had been touched by addiction in some way. The troupe traveled the New Jersey/Philadelphia area ministering through drama, dance and song at churches, schools and community centers. Many people were touched and delivered by this powerful play.
Upon moving to Durham, NC, Rhonda attended North Carolina Central University and acquired her Bachelor's Degree in Theater Education. She has written, directed and performed in numerous plays and independent films in her career. She served for several years as a high school drama instructor and fourth grade elementary school teacher, where she incorporated the performing arts into her curriculum and found the students to be more attentive and interactive due to this method of teaching. She has also founded a nonprofit corporation entitled Gifts of God Ministries that focuses on spreading the delivering power of Jesus Christ through the performing arts and aiding women and children in transition. Rhonda recently co-wrote, acted in and directed the gospel stage play "Yet! Praise Him!" which was produced through Gifts of God Ministries. The play has received rave reviews and many testimonies of changed lives. She is a Spoken Word Artist and Poet and recently had her first book of poetry published entitled Revelations: A Book of Ministerial Monologues and Prophetic Poetry. A founding member of The Church of The Apostolic Revival, International in Durham, she is the Director of the Drama Ministry, Advisor to the Dance Ministry and also serves on the Board of Directors for the church. She is President of the Social Missionary Board and is also a licensed Field Missionary where she has had the ministry opportunity to travel abroad and share the gospel with brothers and sisters in Africa and Brazil. Rhonda completed her Masters Degree in Church Ministries with a concentration in Christian Education at Duke University Divinity School in Durham. She is currently a Doctoral candidate where she is pursuing her Ed.D in Pastoral Community Counseling.
Rhonda is employed as the Outreach Minister to the campus of NCCU and the surrounding community by the Church of the Abiding Savior, Lutheran in Durham. She along with Pastor Gordon Myers has created Living Words: An Evening of Open Mic & Spoken Word Poetry. This event provides the opportunity for artists to share their gifts in a safe place and welcoming community. Many have been blessed and encouraged by this venue. Her future aspirations are to spread the message of God's saving grace and liberating power all over the world, through the performing arts and the spoken Word! Rhonda resides in Durham with her husband of 18 years Deacon Ian Hatton and two daughters, Ianna (11) and India (6).
Born and Raised in Durham, NC Regina got her start at Vibes Open Mic at the Montas Lounge to a former member of Poetic group Silent Myndz Entertainment. Over the years she has made a Poetry CD called ‘My Life In Words’ and a Mini Chap book called ‘Reading Off Paper’. Regina has transitioned from Love Poet into a guest speaker at several community events speaking on Love, Domestic Violence, Self Love and the power of God to help reach our youth. She has participated in events like the DPR Gospel Extravaganza, Durham’s 40th Anniversary Bimbe Culteral Arts Festival, Durham Art Walk, She has marched through the streets of East Durham with Love and Respect, a Durham Organization trying to keep our youth out of the streets. She auditioned at NCCU in 2008 for Women’s Empowerment. She has been a returning Guest Speaker for DPRs East Durham Rec event, Prelude to Purpose, an event trying to teach teenagers about their Purpose in life. Regina has also been a guest speaker at United Assembly for Christ during their Daughters of Destiny “God’s Gem Brunch” as well as at NCCU for the Durham County Women’s Commission “Teen Action” Session. She loves speaking to all the kids. Trying to help keep them focused on education first and showing them other positive aspects of life. ‘Once I’m done it makes me feel complete, like maybe I’ve just made someone’s life a little better, if only for a few minutes, hours, or prayerfully a lifetime’. Her motto is you never know what kind of impact you can have on a person’s life. Show them the “Road Not Taken” and open their eyes to the fact that they have other options and hope they choose the one that will lead them in the right direction, the one pleasing to God.