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This moment is so special. I’ve wanted to submit to NPR’s Tiny Desk for a very long time and for whatever reason, it didn’t materialize—until now. ✨

I could not have pulled this off without @emelindabaez 🫂 who went to war for me every step of the way to see the submission through to completion. There was so much preparation work between us behind the scenes. We didn’t exactly have an uber amount of time to produce this, but we were determined.

We crewed up, and the magic continued, bringing friends and collaborators old and new together to cover all bases. I’m still blown away. The laughter, the patience, the flexibility, and follow ups—unmatched. Each person treated this project with such care.
I’m so grateful. 💐

And these words. ✍🏽 A love letter to New York City, UP NORTH is a single expression that could have been written hundreds of different ways because the memories go deep. It’s autobiographical and confessional, features of my style as a storyteller.

Plan on more vignettes just like this straight from my Black, queer, and invisibly disabled mouth. Buckle up for forthcoming work, Channeling, it’s really special y’all. 📻

UP NORTH

Performed by: NAM (@nam.sounds) 
Written by: Jasmin Benward (@writeonjas) 
Drums: Jens Ellerhold
Guitar: Matthew “Mr. M”  Migliori (@hellomisterm) 
Trumpet: Doren (@dorennnnn)
Score by: Reggie Volume (@reggievolume) (@n_rthst_r), Flaire (@whereisflaire) 
Sound Mix by: INEZ (@frominezwithlove)
Camera: Liliet Rosa Reyes Olivia (@pettitegreenphotography)
Camera B Operator: Gilliam de La Torre (@gigirasol) 
Edited by: TEDRA (@artistlandstudios)
Executive Produced by: Yohanna Emelinda Baez (@emelindabaez) 
Location: (@pinchrecording)

🔗 Watch the full performance on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-rV0sDV818k?feature=shared

Share, like, and subscribe (nam.sounds)

#hiphop #spokenword #poetry #tinydesk #writer

ANNOUNCEMENT!! 📢

More at-bats to authorship loading! 📚

My debut poetry collection, “Crying in LA: Sapphic Longing in Tongues and Tears” is expected to drop this Summer 2025 (hopefully in time for Pride!🤞🏽)

A huge thank you, @tehomcenterpublishing for being a soft place to land and for welcoming my vision to represent Black queer experience in the midst of rampant banning and erasure.

This body of work will take you on a journey from sun to storm in ways that are incredibly imaginative, vulnerable, and raw.

I hope that you’ll support. Drop a “❣️” if you’re just as ready for pre-sales to go live as I am. Stay tapped in for more!

#lgbtpoetry #afrocentricpoetry #sapphic #romance #cryinginla #sapphicpoetry #womenauthors #blackauthor #femme #queer #feminist #feministthought #author #authorscommunity #authorsofinstagram #writer #writers #poetry #poesia

S7EP3 | More Life

MY TURNNNN!!!!

I’ve had to sit on this for a little while, but I’m so elated to share that my first studio level sync placement is on @shothechi !Now streaming on Paramount+!

For those who don’t know, I go by NAM as my musical stage name. Yes, although I work in the sync, music supervision, and publishing spaces supporting other artists, I sing and song write, too. ✨

This placement hits differently for so many reasons as I’m a genuine fan of the show and have been since its inception. I feel honored to be a part of this series to have a little “wing” of my legacy for “Corner Store” to be in a Smokey’s restaurant scene around the 26 minute mark. 😍

I’m blessed to have what I believe are some of the best mentors in the 🌍, so thank you @penzillathegreat for giving me a throwaway beat and encouraging me to go for it. Hope I made you proud!

@bigtankmusic thank you for the “yes,” it’s only changed my life! 🎶

Yeet! Time to work hard and grab some more. A renewal already? Of course! 🤌🏽

#music #singer #songwriter #thechi #sync #musicsupervision #artist

S7EP3 | More Life

MY TURNNNN!!!!

I’ve had to sit on this for a little while, but I’m so elated to share that my first studio level sync placement is on @shothechi !Now streaming on Paramount+!

For those who don’t know, I go by NAM as my musical stage name. Yes, although I work in the sync, music supervision, and publishing spaces supporting other artists, I sing and song write, too. ✨

This placement hits differently for so many reasons as I’m a genuine fan of the show and have been since its inception. I feel honored to be a part of this series to have a little “wing” of my legacy for “Corner Store” to be in a Smokey’s restaurant scene around the 26 minute mark. 😍

I’m blessed to have what I believe are some of the best mentors in the 🌍, so thank you @penzillathegreat for giving me a throwaway beat and encouraging me to go for it. Hope I made you proud!

@bigtankmusic thank you for the “yes,” it’s only changed my life! 🎶

Yeet! Time to work hard and grab some more. A renewal already? Of course! 🤌🏽

#music #singer #songwriter #thechi #sync #musicsupervision #artist

S7EP3 | More Life

MY TURNNNN!!!!

I’ve had to sit on this for a little while, but I’m so elated to share that my first studio level sync placement is on @shothechi !Now streaming on Paramount+!

For those who don’t know, I go by NAM as my musical stage name. Yes, although I work in the sync, music supervision, and publishing spaces supporting other artists, I sing and song write, too. ✨

This placement hits differently for so many reasons as I’m a genuine fan of the show and have been since its inception. I feel honored to be a part of this series to have a little “wing” of my legacy for “Corner Store” to be in a Smokey’s restaurant scene around the 26 minute mark. 😍

I’m blessed to have what I believe are some of the best mentors in the 🌍, so thank you @penzillathegreat for giving me a throwaway beat and encouraging me to go for it. Hope I made you proud!

@bigtankmusic thank you for the “yes,” it’s only changed my life! 🎶

Yeet! Time to work hard and grab some more. A renewal already? Of course! 🤌🏽

#music #singer #songwriter #thechi #sync #musicsupervision #artist

S7EP3 | More Life

MY TURNNNN!!!!

I’ve had to sit on this for a little while, but I’m so elated to share that my first studio level sync placement is on @shothechi !Now streaming on Paramount+!

For those who don’t know, I go by NAM as my musical stage name. Yes, although I work in the sync, music supervision, and publishing spaces supporting other artists, I sing and song write, too. ✨

This placement hits differently for so many reasons as I’m a genuine fan of the show and have been since its inception. I feel honored to be a part of this series to have a little “wing” of my legacy for “Corner Store” to be in a Smokey’s restaurant scene around the 26 minute mark. 😍

I’m blessed to have what I believe are some of the best mentors in the 🌍, so thank you @penzillathegreat for giving me a throwaway beat and encouraging me to go for it. Hope I made you proud!

@bigtankmusic thank you for the “yes,” it’s only changed my life! 🎶

Yeet! Time to work hard and grab some more. A renewal already? Of course! 🤌🏽

#music #singer #songwriter #thechi #sync #musicsupervision #artist

Honored to be joined in conversation with Jade Flower Foster 🌺 (@jadeflowerfoster)

✨Jade is a poet and Spirit-forward storyteller committed to using language to repair church hurt within LGBTQ+ communities. They are the Gotham Award-winning writer and creator of 195 Lewis and producer of the Black lesbian poetry tour and film The Revival. 🖤

Their work has been featured in VICE and Essence Magazine, and they were named one of GO Magazine’s “100 Lesbians to Watch.” 👀

—purr! 💅🏾

📍 Greedy Reads | Fells Point
📆 Thursday, June 4th, 2026
⏰ 7 pm

🔗Link here & in bio:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jasmin-benward-presents-crying-in-la-sapphic-longing-in-tongues-and-tears-tickets-1988858475238?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thanks friends of @greedyreads

🫶🏽See ya soon!

#pride #poetry #reading #authorreading #sapphic

📕 Almost a year of Crying in LA: Sapphic Longing in Tongues and Tears — and we’re still in it.

Baltimore and (*DMV adjacent) friends come through Thursday, 6/4 at 7pm.

I’ll be kicking off 🏳️‍🌈 with an intimate night of live reading in conversation about the book and what’s shifted since its release.

Expect excerpts, reflections, and a ton of kiki.

Bring a friend. 👭🏽

📍 Greedy Reads | Fells Point
🗓 Thursday, June 4th, 2026
⏰ 7pm ET

🔗 Link here & in bio:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jasmin-benward-presents-crying-in-la-sapphic-longing-in-tongues-and-tears-tickets-1988858475238?aff=oddtdtcreator

Thanks friends of @greedyreads 🫶🏽

See ya there. ✨

#pride #poetry #reading #authorreading #sapphic

MAP BELONGING: POETRY READING 🗺️✨

Join co-facilitators Jasmin (@writeonjas) and Yohanna (@emelindabaez) in person alongside the inaugural Map Belonging Poetry Cohort (@mapbelonging) LIVE featuring:

loosetoothpoetry
@sainttreyw
@xiodabomb
@my_crumbled_thoughts
@thomasfucaloro

for an afternoon of in-person stories attuned to location and memory by voices who refuse to be erased. 💐

Deets:
🗓 Saturday, May 16th, 2026
⏰ 2–4 PM ET (doors at 1:45 PM ET)
📍 325 Convent Ave, Harlem NYC

** RSVP Required **

🎟️ RSVP (also in bio): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/map-belonging-poetry-reading-tickets-1988350106694?aff=oddtdtcreator

This event is free and open to the public, however, capacity IS LIMITED.

DO NOT WAIT! RSVP does NOT guarantee entry if capacity is reached.

✨Thank you to our sponsors (@nycchr, @stophatenyc) and partner (@_createtheroom) for supporting this arts initiative!

Come belong! 🫶🏿🫶🏼🫶🏽

#Mapbelonging #Poetryreading #NYCpoetry #Spokenword #NYCevents

A Table Read for Autism Acceptance!

Join our cast of #actors as they perform new scripts written by rising QTPOC #screenwriters!

To celebrate World Autism Acceptance Month, we’re showcasing scripts that feature neurospicy characters and narratives.

This #tableread will be a one-of-a-kind LIVE virtual experience advocating for more entertaining stories that highlight #QTPOC and neurodivergence across film, TV, and verticals .

Show Host: Eugene Simms

Starring:

B Alexander
Cree Armstead
Angie Chatman
Aisha Holden
Shyla Idris
Mia Janét
May Lee
Colette Rosario
Michelle Shin
Jerry Schultz “The Voice Doctor”
Kyara Thaïs
and Timothy Turner

Special Thanks to our many partners & supporters:

@backstagecast @atlasfilm.io @novella.io @feedmefashiontv @posh.vip @spillmob @slaytv @shotdeck @filmsupply @aliciac.tv @sundancecollab @rewritethebiline @queervoicesnyc and @blackqueercreativesummit

April 29th from 4-5:30pm EST via Zoom

Read more & buy tickets here:

- bit.ly/vtr-ticket-2

Tickets now available for Third Concept Media’s Live Table Read!

Theme: Celebrating Autism Acceptance 🧩

Come support “Third Wheel,” “Kain and Able-Bodied,” and “Paradise Cursed.”

Save The Date:

📅 April 29th, 2026

What to Expect:

🎭 A diverse cast of professional acting talent performing live reads of 3 new & original scripts.

📺 A special first look and Q&A with Filmmaker & Director Okema T. Moore (@okematmoore)

🫱🏾‍🫲🏻Introductions and networking with guests, including directors, producers, casting agents, executives, and fellow screenwriters.

We’re inviting brand partners to offer donations to support the (@3rd.concept) mission to produce more events! Find out more:

https://bit.ly/table-read-sponsor

All links in bio! 🔗

#autismacceptance #lgbt #sapphic #tableread #shortfilm

“Third Wheel” CASTING in progress! Get your submission IN and save the date 4/29 for the virtual read. 📆

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 - You are WANTED!

@3rd.concept the graphics! 🤏🏾🔥

#wlw #lgbt #pride #autismawareness #actor

“Third Wheel” CASTING in progress! Get your submission IN and save the date 4/29 for the virtual read. 📆

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 - You are WANTED!

@3rd.concept the graphics! 🤏🏾🔥

#wlw #lgbt #pride #autismawareness #actor

“Third Wheel” CASTING in progress! Get your submission IN and save the date 4/29 for the virtual read. 📆

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 - You are WANTED!

@3rd.concept the graphics! 🤏🏾🔥

#wlw #lgbt #pride #autismawareness #actor

“Third Wheel” CASTING in progress! Get your submission IN and save the date 4/29 for the virtual read. 📆

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 - You are WANTED!

@3rd.concept the graphics! 🤏🏾🔥

#wlw #lgbt #pride #autismawareness #actor

“Third Wheel” CASTING in progress! Get your submission IN and save the date 4/29 for the virtual read. 📆

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 - You are WANTED!

@3rd.concept the graphics! 🤏🏾🔥

#wlw #lgbt #pride #autismawareness #actor

🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️🖤🤎 actors of the femme/masc/butch and beyond+ experience, I welcome you to apply for my upcoming virtual table read.

@3rd.concept Jovan, Dave, and the rest of the Third Concept Media team are going to great lengths to support the writers in this showcase - it’s going to be incredible! 💐

Acting not your thing? Save the date 📅 April 29, 2026 and come through as an audience member.

It’s neurospicy, sensual, and poly forward. 👀 🧩

#poly #actor #autismawareness #neurospicy #tableread

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

Soooo deserving!✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿✨

@blackqueercreativesummit is eligible for a Webby People’s Voice Award, which is decided by public vote. Voting is open now through Thursday, April 16 at 11:59 PM PDT

Help shape accolades and further recognition for a summit that’s supported my artistic practice as a cohort attendee and again in leadership on the planning committee and as a moderator. 🫶🏽

I would have to @ indefinitely to tag so many people with a hand in the success of the summit. Grateful to you all.

@dashawnusher 💐
@julian.walker 💐

Talk about impact!

Please vote and spread the word!👇🏽

Vote here: https://wbby.co/58900N
Webby Voting Platform: vote.webbyawards.com

THE POETS ARE HERE! ✨
Map Belonging welcomes you to a FREE and open to the public poetry reading featuring:

@loosetoothpoetry
@sainttreyw
@xiodabomb
@my_crumbled_thoughts
@thomasfucaloro

Co-facilitated by:

@writeonjas
@emelindabaez 🫶🏽

💐 Sponsored by:
@nycchr
@stophatenyc

In Partnership with: @_createtheroom 🙌🏽

For an evening of storytelling rooted in identify, culture, and inclusion by undeniable artists across boroughs.

RSVPs now live. Link in Bio. 📢

Come through, tell a friend!

#belonging #mapbelonging #identity #culture #storytelling