A new Speakers’ Corner has opened in Canary Wharf, giving a platform to young, inspiring Black poets across the capital.
Just in time for Black History Month, The Poets’ Corner features four weeks of performances with spoken word artists.
These include Young People’s Poet Laureate Theresa Lola and British-Trinidadian dub poet Roger Robinson.
Alongside them will be Nigerian-British author Sarah Aluko, internationally acclaimed poet, playwright and performer Inua Ellams, and multidisciplinary artist Joladé Olusanya.
The initiative is part of a collaboration with Canary Wharf and creative collective SXWKS – set up to celebrate and ignite conversation around the Black experience and the importance of honouring Black culture in Britain.
Each poem will encourage listeners to share their own stories and experiences in the spirit of Speakers’ Corner – where anyone can lead a discussion.
Every Poets’ Corner performance will finish with members of the audience invited to go on stage to perform their own creative piece.
Alongside the live performances, Joladé Olusanya and Sarah Aluko will host workshops with local schools.
Pupils will be taught about the art of writing and will put their creativity skills to the test by drafting their own pieces, before sharing their work at the final performance.
When will the events at the Poets’ Corner be?
Saturday 8th October – 1pm
- Live performance from Theresa Lola & Inua Ellams
Saturday 15th October – 1pm
- Live performance from Roger Robinson
Wednesday 19th October – 1pm
- Live performance with Joladé Olusanya
Saturday 22nd October – 1pm
- Live performance from Sarah Aluko
The poems featured during Black History Month will also be published in Canary Wharf’s Short Story Stations – vending machines that dispense free stories for visitors to read.
These gave the first snippet of Bernardine Evaristo’s new book Manifesto last year.
It’s the latest effort from Canary Wharf to create spaces that are representative of diverse audiences.
Recent initiatives have included commissioning Yinka Ilori to transform Bank Street Park with a vibrant basketball court installation and Camille Walala’s colourful redesign of the Adams Plaza bridge.
‘Poets’ Corner at Canary Wharf has given a great platform to spotlight poetry, Black culture and some of Britain’s most impressive Black poets,’ says Theresa Lola, Young People’s Poet Laureate.
‘Poetry offers its author a creative way to capture feelings and experience, and I hope by sharing my poems aloud, I can portray an insight into my own life and culture in a way that encourages others to do the same.’
According to Camilla Mcgregor, Arts and events manager of the Canary Wharf Group, the team are committed to create areas that are ‘representative of our diverse audiences.’
‘To people who can’t watch the live performances, we will be publishing their words through our Short Story Stations to help further showcase the author’s talent and celebrate Black culture,’ she adds.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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Black History Month
October marks Black History Month, which reflects on the achievements, cultures and contributions of Black people in the UK and across the globe, as well as educating others about the diverse history of those from African and Caribbean descent.
For more information about the events and celebrations that are taking place this year, visit the official Black History Month website.
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