Shaniqua Benjamin is a poet, writer, creative workshop facilitator, and Croydon’s first Poet Laureate. She wrote the lyrics for the London Mozart Players’ Anthem for Peace, and a poem especially for the 2022 One Young World Summit, read by Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Ebinehita Iyere and Shaniqua.
Her poetry has appeared in Ink, Sweat & Tears, Magma, Ameena Rojee’s photography book Crocus Valley, the Museum of Croydon and National Portrait Gallery. She has performed at Trinity College Cambridge Black History Month Formal Dinner, and as part of Apples & Snakes’ immersive spoken word show, Rallying Cry. She has facilitated workshops for Spread The Word, Central St Martins, and Total Insight Theatre. In this episode she shares her poetic journey.
Links:
Citizen UK:Croydon’s Caribbean Influencers (I collaborated on this project with the Museum of Croydon and National Portrait Gallery): https://www.npg.org.uk/visit/inspiring-people-across-the-uk/citizen-uk/citizen-uk-croydons-caribbean-influencers
One Young World Panel Conversation with Leigh-Anne Pinnock & Ebinehita Iyere: https://youtu.be/GuyZnaSV7Eg?si=kre4gFrXv5ADhXNo
Crocus Valley: https://www.rrbphotobooks.com/products/ameena-rojee-crocus-valley-rrb-platform
Twitter: @ShanqMarie
Instagram: @shaniquabenjamin_
LinkedIn: Shaniqua Benjamin
Photo credit: Chetna Kapacee