'And Still I Rise'
"You may write me down in history/With your bitter, twisted lies,/You may trod me in the very dirt/But still, like dust, I'll rise....' - the opening words of Maya Angelou's iconic poem 'Still I Rise'. Read the full version here or use the link below to see a dramatised version read by the author.
You Are A Champion - Marcus Rashford
An inspiring book by England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE about being comfortable with who you are, navigating adversity, leaving your comfort zone and finding your voice to stand up for yourself and others. Aimed at 10 - 15 year olds.
"Still Breathing - 100 Black Voices on Racism
"We cannot change the past but we can change the consequences of the past for the better by means of education. This book is part of that education." A cast of 100 voices reveal both hopes and frustrations but each adds to a colourful tapestry of optimism so future generations can pause, take stock and 'keep breathing'.
A Daily Cloud - Creative Air Doodles Challenge on Insta'
Illustrator and artist Chris Judge, best known for his illustrated children's books, has set up a fun challenge on Instagram. So (if you are old enough to have an account) check out his website and join in the fun.
Each day, he photographs a cloud and customises it with some simple illustrations - take a look and be inspired to try your own! So, take a look at the skies above and enjoy your very own version of air doodles! Examples so far include everything from an elephant, poodle and a panda to a monster and a dragon...what can you spot?
Caleb Femi - Poet and Director
Nigerian born Caleb Femi came to London age 7, settling in Peckham - an experience he explores in ‘Children of the ’Narm’. He's a renowned poet and director who shapes youth culture through film, photography and music. As Young People’s Laureate for London (2016-18), Caleb aimed to "re-engage young people, who have long been disenfranchised, through poetry... Poetry is the one of the purest forms of conversation there is."
'One Breath' a poem by Mark Arthur
Take a moment to watch the inspiring Mark Arthur, a Black author and meditator, reading his powerful poem One Breath 'a prayer for all beings' at a virtual 'Satsang' (Q&A) with Tara Brach. The video is reproduced here (link below) with kind permission of both Mark and Tara, available with other inspiring talks and meditations at the Tara Brach You Tube Channel.
Grace Nicholls - Poetry
Listen to the poet Grace Nichols reading some of her poetry here recorded for the Poetry Archive. Born in Guyana in the Caribbean before moving to live in England her imaginative poems span the everyday to the wider universe.
A Poem about Hope - Nicholas Mazza
Hope
Hope
is the belief
that one hand
reaching to another
can eventually
touch the moon,
allowing the light to guide us
through the night
Poems of Protest, Resistance and Empowerment
Speaking 'truth to power remains a crucial role of the poet in the face of political & media rhetoric' so the Poetry Foundation have brought together a selection of poems that 'call out and talk back to the inhumane forces... expose grim truths, raise consciousness, and build united fronts".
The Important Things In Life Animation
By opening our minds and hearts to new experiences, beginning to treat ourselves with kindness, compassion and gratitude, we can build connection, boost wellbeing and increase happiness. This lovely little animation really helps us to remember the important things.... take a few minutes to watch.
Poem on Learning and Change by Portia Nelson
An inspiring poem that shows us how we can learn and grow from mis-steps, habits and holes in the road along the way!
Mark Nepo - Poetry
Poet, philosopher, spiritual writer... Mark Nepo's touching and soulful work touches on themes with which we can all identify, such as our struggle to 'inhabit the soul through a messy human life, and how underneath our differences, we can be who we are everywhere and create a path to what matters". Check out his website here or his You Tube channel (use link below) to enjoy weekly readings and discussion of his work.
'And the people stayed home' - a poem by Kitty O'Meara
This beautiful poem, written after the Irish famine seems really appropriate to current times - listen here and watch the video.