protest POETRY
WHO DOES A CEASEFIRE HARM?
This film was made in February 2024, when the UK government had refused to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Since then the new government has called for a ceasefire, but the conflict still continues. Since 7th October 2023, it is reported by Aljazeera that 40,000+ people have been killed in Gaza including 16,500 children. Statistics and live updates can be found here.
We made this film to show solidarity with the children and young people who have been killed, displaced and abducted. We have used the power of poetry to be a voice for those affected by this ongoing crisis in the only way we can, through art. It's a message that all children's lives are as equal and valuable no matter where you are in the world. You can watch the video below.
TURNING PAIN INTO PURPOSE
_PNG.png)
SOUTH LONDON MAKES NOISE FOR CLEAN AIR
Sickle cell awareness
Poetic Unity joint forces with ACLT to run a one-day poetry masterclass, where young people learnt about Sickle Cell Disease to create exclusive poetry to raise awareness and give a platform to Sickle Cell warriors. The incredible poems created were showcased at an exclusive screening at Ritzy Cinema, Brixton on 30th November 2024. This event included a panel and live performances with the Lambeth Mayor and other esteemed guests in attendance.
This partnership is highlighting the need for more young Black people to give blood. Currently only 2% of donors are of Black heritage in the UK. It's important to have more donors of Black heritage to meet the growing need for transfusions as being of the same heritage provides a better blood match for those who need it. To sign up to give blood click here.
One of the poems written by PA Bitez illuminates the profound courage of individuals living with Sickle Cell. It transforms the narrative of chronic illness from mere survival to an extraordinary testament to the power of the human spirit. The other poem shares the story of Iyanu told by his friend Kayz which highlights the incredible strength Sickle Cell warriors have to turn pain into purpose. You can watch both the poems below.
CLEAN AIR FOR THE ENDS CAMPAIGN
SOUTH LONDON MAKES NOISE FOR CLEAN AIR
Brixton based charity Poetic Unity who support thousands of young Black and marginalised people every year through poetry have been raising awareness about air pollution for the last two years in collaboration with Live + Breathe. A recent study has shown that Black residents are being exposed to more levels of illegal air pollution than any other ethnic group in some of the UK’s major cities which highlights the racial injustice when it comes to air quality.
Poetic Unity’s new campaign ‘Clean Air For The Ends’ promotes alternative travel such as riding bikes and roller skating for young Black and marginalised people from the ends. Lambeth and Southwark have some of the worst air pollution levels in London so Poetic Unity invited a group of young people to an activation in Brixton and Peckham on June 2nd 2024 to raise awareness about this issue through poetry and to celebrate the power of community.
Talented young poet Blaize Alexis-Anglin wrote a poem for this campaign highlighting how the younger generation feel about air pollution, the importance of looking at this as a collective issue and coming together to make a difference for our futures. You can watch the poem in full below:
This campaign has been kindly supported by Forest Bikes who donated 100 free bikes for the day for our activation, Cano Water who gave 120 cans of free water and Aromatherapy Associates London who contributed free boxes of muscle gel. To find out more about Clean Air For The Ends or to support this campaign click here.
TRANSPORT FOR LONDON campaign
10 POETS, 5 TUBE STATIONS FOR WORLD POETRY DAY
Poetic Unity teamed up with Transport for London (TfL) to give a platform to 10 young poets for World Poetry Day (21st March 2024.) Poets from Poetic Unity wrote poems on the theme of community, which were projected from sound systems at Brixton and Stockwell tube stations over the weekend.
One of the young poets, Selorm Adonu, 21, from Croydon, said: “Community is important to me because it’s where you learn different perspectives. Everything from uncle at the barber shop or going to the hairdressers with my mum – it’s the same sort of lessons you learn in the home.”
As part of the project, the young peoples poems were also printed on to posters which were put up around London Bridge, Waterloo, Victoria, Brixton and Stockwell tube stations. “We are honoured we got to celebrate world poetry day by platforming some of our amazing young people’s poetry,” said Ryan J. Matthews-Robinson, Founder and CEO of Poetic Unity.
Community is a key value of ours and something that is integral to a functioning society. We are constantly looking at ways of platforming young voices and giving young people opportunities to be seen and heard, which is why it was amazing that thousands of people got to read our young people's poetry. Thank you to TfL and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation for the support.”
Watch the video above to check out the full World Poetry Day activities including the poets performing their poems and sharing their views on community. Read more details about the campaign here.
