Panelist & Youth Slam Host
Las Vegas Book Festival
Las Vegas
- Hosted Youth Slam
Derylle DK Grey Spears
Summary
Derylle “DK Grey” Spears is a Las Vegas spoken word artist, host, educator, and community organizer whose work centers on storytelling, belonging, mental wellness, and voice. A multi-published poet, slam champion, and youth advocate, he uses poetry as a tool for connection, self-expression, and community impact throughout Southern Nevada and beyond.
Work History
Professional supporting youth development
Communities In Schools
- Supporting social-emotional learning, attendance, and student engagement
- Mentor and advocate for youth voice, storytelling, and creative expression
Poetry workshop facilitator
- Facilitated workshops for youth and emerging writers
Active poetry host and organizer
Las Vegas
- Regular host for Spotlight Poetry
- Regular host for Poetic Gems
- Hosts poetry/open mic events approximately twice monthly
- Produces and organizes community literary events including venue coordination, artist recruitment, event hosting, programming development
- Collaborates with literary organizations and creative spaces including Spotlight Poetry, Living Room Poetry, Poetic Gems, and additional community arts platforms in Las Vegas and beyond
Education
Emphasis in Broadcast Journalism
Southern University
Baton RougeSkills
- Public speaking
- Community engagement
- Workshop facilitation
- Event coordination
- Creative writing
- Youth mentorship
- Social-emotional learning
- Collaborative programming
- Event planning
- Verbal and written communication
Community Engagement
- Poetry workshop facilitator for youth and emerging writers
- Hosted and facilitated youth literary programming
- Hosted Youth Slam — Las Vegas Book Festival
- Contributor to GEMS Youth Music & Poetry Program
- Communities In Schools professional supporting youth development, social-emotional learning, attendance, and student engagement
- Mentor and advocate for youth voice, storytelling, and creative expression
- Assisted in organizing the Phenomenal Womxn Poetry Festival
Leadership Hosting Arts Service
- Active poetry host and organizer within the Las Vegas literary arts community
- Regular host for Spotlight Poetry
- Regular host for Poetic Gems
- Hosts poetry/open mic events approximately twice monthly
- Produces and organizes community literary events including venue coordination, artist recruitment, event hosting, programming development
- Collaborates with literary organizations and creative spaces including Spotlight Poetry, Living Room Poetry, Poetic Gems, and additional community arts platforms in Las Vegas and beyond
Publications
- Young, Gifted & Black
- Collected Whispers
- Stars in Our Hearts
Featured Performances Festivals Media
- Featured Performer — New York Poetry Festival
- Invited Performer — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Invited Performer — New Jersey
- Las Vegas Book Festival — Panelist & Youth Slam Host
- Winning poetry and performances highlighted by Ghost Poetry
- Performance shared by Voices in Power platform (530K+ audience reach)
- Competitive and featured performances through Spotlight Poetry, Truth Spot LV, and regional literary platforms
Awards Recognition
- 2024 Black Spoken Word Artist of the Year Nominee, 01/01/24
- 10+ Poetry Slam Victories
- 1st Place — Ghost Poetry Slam
- Multiple Spotlight Poetry Slam Wins
- Multiple Truth Spot LV Slam Wins
- 2nd Place — Busboys and Poets Poetry Slam, Washington, DC
- Utah Arts Festival Poetry Competition
- 3rd Place — Team Competition
- 4th Place — Individual Competition
- 2024 Spotlight Poetry Beam Team Member, 01/01/24
- 2024 Spotlight Poetry Slam Team Member, 01/01/24
- 2024 Spotlight Group Stage Finalist, 01/01/24
- Chicarra Poetry Festival — Team Finalist
Timeline
Panelist & Youth Slam Host
Las Vegas Book Festival
Professional supporting youth development
Communities In Schools
Poetry workshop facilitator
Active poetry host and organizer
Emphasis in Broadcast Journalism
Southern University