Zorina Exie Jerome, a.k.a, Z. Poet Author Actress Model “Z” enacts poetic performances related to social, personal and spiritual issues that target women and the youth audience. This artist writes her own material and has also written and co-directed shorts screenplays. “Z” has been associated with The Urban Arts Company of South Bend, Indiana since 1997 where she performed in an Urban Arts original stage play, American Association of Oppressed Minorities . She also served as a co-host on WUBS’ radio talk show, Teen Talk and won Linguistic’s first Expression Session’s Poetry Slam contest. She has worked with Child of The King Music, Inc. where she recorded several versions to the single, “Play A Love Song” from the Teach My Hands To War album. In 2006, Zorina achieved the Lester M. Wolfson Literary Award in the drama category. She also published her first book, “I Won’t Apologize For Being A Women”. Past performances have been in South Bend’s Century Center, The Martin Luther King Center, New Wings of Faith Church, Heroes Camp, The Fiddler’s Hearth and Indiana University South Bend’s Poetry Jams. Ms. Jerome also lists as one of the top 3 finalist in the 2005 and 2006 All American Model and Talent Competition hosted by American Model and Talent Agency, based in Granger, Indiana. "Jerome doesn't read her poetry as much as perform it. Words shoot from her mouth as if fired from a machine gun. The flow comes hard and fast. The imagery is real. Kids love it." ~Howard Dukes, South Bend Tribune