BHM Women’s Poetry Competition

Each year we run our Women’s Poetry Competition in Leicester as part of our celebration of Black History Month (BHM) in the UK.

The readings and competition were held last Saturday 29th October 2022 at the African Caribbean Centre in the City of Leicester.

It was a wonderful occasion where we not only listened to some great poems and found out some of the stories behind the pieces shared with us, but we also got the audience to write some poetry as well. Some people surprised themselves. What a fun time we had.

Each year we ask those submitting work to write to a theme. The theme this year was Still I Rise taken from the title of the inspiring poem by the same name by Maya Angelou.

Thanks to our sponsors this year Leicester City Council, Serendipity, and Inspiring You CIC.

This year’s Winner was Valerie Walbrook with her poem I am Black History.

Carolyn Turner (last year’s Winner) was the Finalist this year with her poem Battercry.

Other women poets recognised on the day for their submissions, receiving ‘Poem of Merit’ were:
* Nelista Cuffy her poem Mother of Mine, You’re Missed.
* Pratibha Savani with her poem Empowered.
* Jacqueline Samuel with her poem To Love Ourselves.

And finally, we are excited to share our new YouTube channel where you can see and hear these wonderful poets read their poems. Click the box below.