Black History Month: Poetic Temple

Free and open to all.

This year we will be focusing on the official Black History Month theme of Community, and the unsung heroes of Black Britain both past and present, recognising the recent tragic passing of Professor Jason Arday.

In this Poetic Temple we ask our audience to consider what is Community Responsibility? - in the context of social injustice, preservation of history and culture - taking on the mantle of historical greats in doing the works today that shapes a better future for generations to come.

Come and join us in a wonderment of words, art and music. Bring your talents to light up our open mic section then enjoy our outstanding features!

Schedule:

5pm–6pm - Networking

6pm–7.15pm - Open Mic

7.15pm–7.30pm - Break

7.30pm–9pm - Headline Performances: Lisa Ellis, The Mayfair Poet and Trees with Roots

Nat Nye The Lyrical Alkhemist and Stella Bare an artistic Power Couple, Custodians of Culture, MCs and co-founders of Poetic Temple, a spoken word, music and live art night championing art that heals, enlightens and empowers. Poetic Temple has taken place at the likes of the British Museum, Shoreditch House and has residency at The Africa Centre.

Nat and Stella hosting credits include D&AD, the British Library, Sankofa Day on Trafalgar Square, and the Reparations March on Windrush Square, Brixton. They have performed, spoken and presented their work prestigious venues and occasions such as Royal Reception for Princess Anne; House of Parliament; the British Museum, the V&A, Tate Modern, BFI Southbank, Roundhouse, Barbican.

Ruth Elora, also known as The Mayfair Poet, is an award-winning British-Nigerian poet and international performer from London. Her work blends the intimate with the political, exploring identity, love, social justice and spiritual reckoning. She has headlined stages across the UK and internationally, with performances at iconic venues such as the Southbank Centre, and her poetry has appeared in local press, magazines and on the radio. She is the co-founder and host of South-West London’s acclaimed poetry night and podcast, If Poets Ruled the World.

Trees with Roots is a multi-disciplinary artist. His work combines poetry, hiphop, theatre and ceremony to take audiences on spell-binding journeys into the innermost parts of themselves.

Lisa Ellis is a London-based poet, dancer, presenter and model whose work explores identity, womanhood, connection, and the beautiful complexity of being human. A King’s College London and Roundhouse alumni, Lisa brings warmth, vulnerability and a playful honesty to the stage, weaving storytelling and poetry into performances that invite audiences to feel, reflect and connect. Her creative work spans live performance, broadcasting, modelling and facilitation, with a passion for creating spaces where people can be fully seen and heard.

Live Artist:

As with every Poetic Temple, Stella B creates live artwork inspired by the theme, performances of the night, capturing the energy and voices.

Stella B visual artist she has been a panelist at the Barbican for Stories of Pan-Africa; held her debut solo exhibition, Celebrating Hidden Histories: Goldframing the Women in the Revolution, at The Africa Centre and has exhibited at CasildArt.

Image credit: Katwamba Mutale

Accessibility:London College of Communication strives to provide an inclusive and accessible environment for our students and visitors. For full access and route guides for our building, please view our AccessAble accessibility guide.

If you have any specific access requirements for an event or exhibition at all please contact us by email (events@lcc.arts.ac.uk) or phone (020 7514 8498) in advance of your visit, so that we can make any necessary preparations or adjustments.

Find us:London College of Communication is located close to central London in Elephant and Castle. The College is based on a single site within easy reach of various parts of the city, and is well-served by Underground, bus and rail networks. Find out more about getting here on Find Us page.

Filming and Photography: Please note that filming and photography may be taking place at this event. Both bigger crowds, smaller groups and individuals may be captured on camera. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the College website, social media channels, and in print.