Last Saturday

was the debut of Poetry For Justice,

and I first want to thank everyone who attended,

and everyone who has helped along the way.

The event taught me innumerable things,

about event production and coordination,

and also about myself.

One of the lessons that stood out,

was understanding the power of community,

and more pertinently the unity it brings.

The evening was dedicated to social justice and art,

and the story and case of Dr Aafia Siddiqui.

The key intention behind everything,

was to build awareness, uplift, educate,

and signpost to reliable sources.

But it's one thing having a meeting and determining these goals,

and another seeing them unfold in practice

before your very eyes,

and by your own hand.

What I realised, Reader,

is that community is the root of all change.

And if we can spread a message to enough people,

there will undoubtedly be a shift in the tectonic plates of fortune.

And if we are sincere and organised in articulating a message,

it will travel further than a random, emotional blurt ever will.

As a creative person, and maybe even a writer,

you have the ability already to create change,

because words hold infinite potential,

if you learn how to use them.

They are tools that you can use to express,

not just for the sake of art, but also for the sake of life.

So build your communities,

spread your messages worth sharing,

because between Poetry For Justice

and my recent TEDx poetry set,

I've been reminded once again,

just how impactful and important

speaking up and sharing our voices

really is.

Creative Update

Two big projects have been completed this summer.

My first event as a producer/curator/solo-practitioner,

and my closing set for TEDxWolverhampton.

As we move into the rest of the year,

a new set of slowly forming projects

will be bubbling beneath the surface,

and I can't wait to see how they shape up.

One thing's for sure...

Poetry For Justice will not be my first and only event,

and it will be a pleasure having you on board for the next one.

Upcoming Opportunties

Bad Betty Press are open for submissions for new full-length poetry collections from anywhere in the world, for publication in 2028.

Find out more below.

SUBMISSION WINDOW: 1ST-31ST JULY

Hanging Loose Press is a New York-based press that publishes poetry and fiction, and for over fifty years its publications have never left print.

They're open for magazine submissions for all writers, including international writers, and champion marginalised voices in mainstream publishing.

Find out more below.

Catch Me Next

I'll be working in the background for the next month or so

so I will not have many public appearances on stage.

I am free if you want to drop me a line, though!

Thanks for reading this week, as always.

Stay safe, stay well,

and stay creative,

Bilal Psyche Akram