The award-winning University of Kent Student Success Project is delighted to host international poet/writer, Poet Laureate of Canterbury and Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Lemn Sissay MBE as part of our Inspirational Speaker Series on Monday 26th February 2018 at 5.30pm.

Lemn Sissay MBE is the author of several books of poetry alongside articles, records, public art, and plays.

He was the official poet for the London Olympics and for the FA Cup in 2015. His Landmark Poems are installed throughout Manchester and London in venues such as The Royal Festival Hall and The Olympic Park.

Bishop Desmond Tutu unveiled his landmark poem Gilt of Cain and his appearance on Desert Island Discs was pick of the year for BBC Radio 4 in 2015.

Lemn was the first Black Writers Development Worker in the North of England. He created and established Cultureword (part of Commonword), where he developed, supported and published many new writers who’ve gone on to a life of creativity. Sissay received an MBE from The Queen for services to literature.

He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Huddersfield, which runs the Sissay Scholarship for care leavers: the first of its kind in the UK. Lemn has also instigated the launch of the Lemn Sissay Law Bursaries at the University of Manchester, an initiative aimed at facilitating the development of black lawyers.

Come and hear the fascinating story of how Lemn created ‘Gold from the Stone’.

This event is free and open to all with a valid ticket. Networking and free nibbles will follow the event. Tickets are available via EventBrite.