02/20/2025
Our gratitude runs deep, woven with the love of The Divine and the wisdom of our honorable ancestors, who saw fit for us to carry this sacred seed. Since 2011, Verbal Gumbo has been more than an event—it has been a movement, a gathering, a heartbeat of culture and community.
To our families, children, friends, elders, sages, organizations, writers, editors, photographers and every single soul who has poured into this space—THANK YOU.
To every poet, WORDSMITH, rapper, musician, artist, small business, storyteller, causes and lover of community who attended, performed, or embraced the magic—you are the spirit of Verbal Gumbo.
From our birth at The House of Loom—offered by Brent and Jay, lifted by the sounds of DJ Real, and greeted by the phenomenal poet Paula Bell—to the unforgettable moments captured by Eric David Herrera, and Wangs with Andre, our journey has been blessed. And as we expanded to spaces like The Rockets Kanteen, Love’s Jazz/NOMA, and Benson Theatre, the love only grew stronger.
We also bow our heads and lift our hearts to honor the Gumboers who are no longer with us. Your voices echo in every verse, your presence felt in every rhythm of our gathering.
Receiving The John Heaston Stewardship Award, is not just a recognition—it is a shared victory, a testament to the power of art, love, and collective spirit. We are because you are. Thank you for believing in us, for building with us, for keeping the fire of spoken word alive.
Pictured Above:
✨ Zedeka Poindexter – Nebraska Writers Collective & poet extraordinaire
✨ Omen Rah – Sun of WithloveFelicia & youngest dope poet nominee for the OEAS
✨ Mazzie Casher – Husband of Felicia / Artist / CEO of Philly Truce
✨ Tysen Walker – Son of Foxy Troxy / Creative / Barber
✨ Deb Bunting – Creative Consultant / Community Elder / Extended Soul Family
This is the ROUX. The gumbo keeps stirring. The story continues.
