Monica Daye

(Author/Poet/Activist)

Rarely does the universe produce a talent such as author, and activist Monica Daye. 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. As the founder of STAND UP SPEAK OUT, Monica's personal mission is to speak out and act out against sexual violence and domestic abuse. The  26-year old author is a resident of Durham, North Carolina where she has written poetry since the young age of eleven. In the last 6 years this talented sister has definitely made a name for herself as one of the best and most creative female poets in North Carolina. Monica's awe-inspiring performances have left her audiences speechless and motivated to join her in ending violence against women. She has graced numerous stages, performing at NCCU, East Carolina University, Duke University, St. Augustine College, NC State University,Pembroke, The Kings and Queens of Poetry, Shaw University and so many more. In 2004 Ms. Daye was featured on K97.5 and 103.9s special broadcast, "Raising Awareness to the Community on HIV". Ms.Daye was four time nominee for the National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Awards in 2005 (N.U.S.P.A) nominations that include: Best Book, Best Book Cover, Best Female Spoken Word Artist, and Community Oriented Underground Poet. In April 2006 N.U.S.P.A named Daye the "Community Oriented Underground Poet" Award Winner of the year. The NUSPA'S didnt stop there. In June 2007 Daye brought home 4  N.U.S.P.A awards that include, Best Female Spoken Word Artist, Best Album of the Year(7 Days of Freedom) Best Creative Graphics on Album (7 Days of Freedom) and for the second consecutive year  the Community Oriented Underground Poet's Award. Ms. Daye has chosen to step out on faith to fulfill her calling as a community activist. Sharing her personal story of surviving sexual assault and dometic abuse through spoken word.  Raped at a church convention at the age of 11, a teenage run-away at the age of 13 and in her first abusive relationship, a juvenile delinquent at the age of 14 and incarcerated for 2 years, and in her second abusive relationship by 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.


Shairis Open-MicIn July 2005 this trailblazer started Shairi's Open Mic held at the Marvell Event Center in downtown Durham. Shairis provides a wonderful alternative to Durhams nightlife and boasts out-of-town artists and packed audiences every month. In January 2006 Monica partnered with Duke University to blast Shairis over the airwaves and now reaches audiences world-wide and all over the United States. Shairis Poetry Radio Show offers a variety of music from independent/underground artist. Shairi's Radio features old school music, reggae, conscious hip-hop, R&B, and of course poetry/spoken word. DURHAM SLAM TEAM Ms. Daye is also part of the DURHAM BULL CITY SLAM TEAM, a team of poets that travel nationally and perform in spoken word slam competitions. In August 2005, they competed against other slam teams from all over the world in the National Poetry Competition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visit www.nps2005.com for more info on the way the DURHAM BULL CITY SLAM TEAM ranked. Daye also made the 2006 Bull-City Slam team and traveled to Birmingham, Alabama and Austin, Texas to compete for her second consecutive year. STAND UP SPEAK OUT- Ms. Daye is more than just a poet; she is an activist, and Founder of, "STAND UP SPEAK OUT"; an outreach program dedicated to the fight against sexual and domestic violence.

"STAND UP-SPEAK OUT(S.U.S.O)was founded Spring 2005 a community outreach program against domestic violence and sexual assault. Through Monicas guidance and leadership, Stand Up, Speak Out has hosted such events as, "Women Against Domestic Violence, Men Against Domestic Violence, candle-light vigils, panel discussions, and educational workshops. S.U.S.O also launched a community-wide collection drive, collecting personal hygiene items for the battered womens shelters and rape crisis centers in the state of North Carolina.

"And You Thought You Had Problems"(The Poetic Biography)
Monica's debut collection of poetry entitled, was released in the winter of 2003 by Author House Publishing in Indiana. The book chronicles the trials and tribulations of a young woman as she experiences the horrors of sexual assault and is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

"7 Days of Freedom"(The Album)
Monica's lastest project 7 Days of Freedom won Album of the Year in June 2007. The album is pathway to the power of spiritual motivation. A passionate collection of poetry & music that wars against the troubles of this ram. This is a must have collectible for now and future generations. Ms. Daye continues the tradition of women artists devoted to the revolution of mind, body, and spirit. She is a force to be reckoned with in a world of hesitators and continues to leave a lasting impression on all communities.