Who we are

Founded by Queena Bergen, Verse Rising is a collective of award-winning spoken word artists, educators, and performers dedicated to providing tools to help amplify voices that inspire, challenge, and unite.

With decades of combined experience, our team includes nationally ranked poets, keynote speakers and champions from the world of slam poetry, known for their ability to captivate audiences with authenticity and power.

At Verse Rising, we believe in the transformative weight of words. Our work spans performances, workshops, and creative collaborations that celebrate diverse perspectives, bridging gaps between people of different cultures, values, and experiences. Through the art of performance poetry, we aim to spark meaningful conversations and create lasting connections.

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