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Black History Month – patriciafostermckenley.com
patriciafostermckenley.com

Professional Poet, Life Coach, Educator, Artist – Runs Workshops, Gives Reiki & Wellbeing Training

Category: Black History Month

Poet Patricia Foster McKenley, Reading from ‘Filigree: Contemporary Black British Poetry’, at Ilkley Literature Festival, 14th October 2018. 

October 4, 2018 /


‪I’m delighted to share that I will be reading poetry at Ilkley Literature Festival on Sunday 14 October 2018. I’ll be sharing the stage with Maya Chowdhry, Nick Makoha and Rishi Dastidar to promote the new anthology Filigree: Contemporary Black British Poetry, which we will all be published in. 

Edited by Nii Parkes and Inscribe Series/Peepal Tree. Editor Kadija Sesay.

Host on the day is Pete Kalu.

Reading at Ilkley Festival is something I have always wanted to do. Being included in this anthology, which includes a wealth of Black British writers, is a huge honour. I am indebted to Nii Parkes and Kadija Sesay for their brilliant editing, encouragement, nurturing and support. 

Featuring past and present writers from Malikas Poetry Kitchen.

Very excited!

Hope to see you there.
Venue: St Margaret’s Hall, Queens Road, Ilkley LS29 9QL

Date: Sunday 14th October 2018

Time: 4:45pm

Price: £7 / £5

Black History Month Activities With Award Winning Poet and Performer Patricia Foster – October 2016. BHM Workshop at UWLSU, At The Inkwell London Celebrates Black History Month, ‘Southbound: An Evening of Poetry’ (Southwark Libraries).

October 18, 2016 /

The UK celebrates Black History Month in October and I would love to share what I’ll be up to this month.
This Wednesday 19th October 2016, I’ll be delivering a poetry workshop for Black History Month. My workshop will be part of the University of West London Students’ Union (UWLSU) Black Histoy Month programme. I very much look forward to it:


Click here for link to UWLSU web page 

On Thursday 20th October, I will be co-hosting the third instalment of the monthly event At The Inkwell London. We will celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month; the rich and varied accounts of migration, belonging, culture and family.


Our featured writers will be

Millie Murray, Racheal Joseph and Nadeem Din-Gabisi.
Please find below a weblink to our official website for this month’s event:

http://attheinkwell.com/readings/black-history-month-london/

The Facebook Event Page is: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/188808594893206/

The event is FREE, but do let us know if you plan to come. The Eventbrite link is: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/at-the-inkwell-london-celebrates-black-history-month-ft-millie-murray-racheal-joseph-tickets-28574841119

Hosts will be writers Gemma Weekes, myself Patricia Foster and Rachel Rigby.


We also have an open mic for anyone who would love to share their work.
At The Inkwell has been created to be a warm, welcoming, encouraging and engaging environment for writers to share and promote their work. I hope this event will provide a positive space for you to hear great work, as well as participate!

Please contact us on inkwellreadings.london@gmail.com if you would like further information, to sign up for the open mic, or read at future events.
Warmest regards,

Patricia
— 

Best,

Patricia Foster, Gemma Weekes & Rachel Rigby

At The Inkwell London Co-hosts

Email: inkwellreadings.london@gmail.com

Website: www.attheinkwell.com
‘Like’ the At The Inkwell Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AtTheInkwell/

Follow At The Inkwell on Twitter: @AtTheInkwell
On Friday 21 October 2016, I will be a feature poet for ‘Southbound: A Evening of Poetry. Also featured will be Zena Edwards, Janett Plummer and Suléy Muhidin.

Newspaper article of Southwark Libraries BHM events in October 2016. Photos include Zena Edwards and Patricia Foster

“Four talented performers Patricia Foster, Zena Edwards, Suléy Muhidin and Janett Plummer reveal a window into their lives through moving, funny, fierce, and inspirational poetry. South London life – sometimes frustrating, often surprising – forms a consistent thread through the poems as they reflect global worries, personal hopes and diverse backgrounds.

Target Audience: Adults

Cost: Free – but advance booking is essential via Eventbrite

Book your space via Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/southbound-an-evening-of-poetry-tickets-27544444174?aff=es2
DATE AND TIME

Fri, October 21, 2016

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM BST
LOCATION

Camberwell Library

48 Camberwell Green

London

SE5 7AL

View Map

At The Inkwell (London) Celebrates Black History Month | Thursday 20 October 2016. 7-9pm. Doors 6:30pm. Venue: Counter Albion, Shoreditch. FREE! Ft Millie Murray & Racheal Joseph. Hosted by Poets Gemma Weekes, Patricia Foster and Journalist Rachel Rigby.

October 12, 2016 /

Good Day To You All,
I hope you are enjoying the sunny, autumnal afternoon (if in London).
Thank you to ALL who read, came down and supported At The Inkwell London last month.
Just over a week to go now, until our next At The Inkwell London on Thursday 20th October, where we’ll celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month; the rich and varied accounts of migration, belonging, culture and family.
Our featured writers will be

Millie Murray and Racheal Joseph.
Please find below a weblink to our official website for this month’s event. 
http://attheinkwell.com/readings/black-history-month-london/

The Facebook Event Page is: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/188808594893206/
The Eventbrite link is: 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/at-the-inkwell-london-celebrates-black-history-month-ft-millie-murray-racheal-joseph-tickets-28574841119
Please also find attached a flyer/graphic for the event. 
Your hosts will be writers Gemma Weekes, Patricia Foster and Rachel Rigby.

Designed by Patricia Foster

Please share this with all your contacts, friends, family and lovers of poetry and fiction that you know. We also have an open mic for anyone who would love to share their work.
At The Inkwell has been created to be a warm, welcoming, encouraging and engaging environment for writers to share and promote their work. I hope this event will provide a positive space for you to hear great work, as well as participate!

Please contact us on inkwellreadings.london@gmail.com if you would like further information, to sign up for the open mic, or read at future events.
Warmest regards,

Patricia Foster
— 

Best,

Patricia Foster, Gemma Weekes & Rachel Rigby

At The Inkwell London Co-hosts

inkwellreadings.london@gmail.com

www.attheinkwell.com

YouAreYOU founder, Award-Winning Poet, Sable Poet-In-Residence & Holistic Life Coach Patricia Foster to facilitate at ‘Every Woman Inspired’ conference, Ocho Rios Jamaica 18 & 19 October 2015

August 20, 2015 /

News From YouAreYOU founder, Award-Winning Poet, Sable Poet-In-Residence and Holistic Life Coach Patricia Foster 
     

 I am extremely excited to share I will be one of the international facilitators and speakers at the incredible 3rd annual 

Every Woman Inspired 2015 conference, 

to be held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica 

18 & 19 October 2015. 

Tickets going fast!
‘If you are a woman living in Jamaica, The Caribbean, USA or The UK, who is looking to be inspired and empowered, why not attend this year’s event.’
Venue: Hibiscus Lodge Hotel, Ocho Rios, Jamaica

For more information and booking details, visit:

http://www.everywomaninspired.org/

#Jamaica

#EveryWomanInspired #EWI

#OchoRios

#HibiscusLodgeHotel

#StAnnesBay

#InspirationForWomen

#EmpowermentForWomen

#WomensEvent

#SablePoetInResidence

Black, Bitter And Beautiful – Poets Against Brutality. Evening of poetry in solidarity with #blackpoetspeakout Goldsmiths University, UK‎. Friday 27th February 2015. 18:30 – 20:30 Ft Dorothea Smartt, Sable Poet-in-Residence Patricia Foster, Gemma Weekes, Michael Datcher and MC Kadija Sesay.

February 23, 2015 /
Michael Datcher

Michael Datcher

This Friday 27th February 2015, in my role as Sable Poet-in-Residence, I will be featuring in the poetry event ‘Black, Bitter and Beautiful: Poets against Brutality’ at Goldsmith’s University of London,
Lewisham Way, London, SE14 6NW.

The event will be in solidarity with the #blackpoetspeakout and ‘I Can’t Breathe’ movements in The USA.

Featuring on the night:
Dorothea Smartt, Sable Poet-in-Residence Patricia Foster, Gemma Weekes, Tolu Agbelusi, special US guest Michael Datcher, and MC Kadija Sesay.

We will also mark the 50th anniversary since Malcolm X’s death and his legacy.

TICKETS ARE MOVING FAST!

Free Event. Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-bitter-and-beautiful-poets-against-brutality-tickets-15095992520

For further information:

http://www.gold.ac.uk/calendar/?id=8397

Super Woman: Taking Everyday In Her Stride!

January 14, 2014 /

“As a woman, today and hereafter, I choose to express myself at my highest potential! That is my divine purpose and mission on this Earth.”
~ Patricia Foster McKenley, 8th March 2012

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Performance at book launch of ‘Irki’ by Kadija George, at The Barbican. Photo: Rousha Browning / SABLE LitMag

Imagine how this world would be if as individual women, we decided to reach for our highest potential and operate from that place for as much of our lives as possible. Imagine if we tapped into our innate powers and energies daily.

I wrote the above quote for International Women’s Day in March. March is also reknowned for celebrating International Women’s Week and International Women’s Month. We are also celebrating Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 30th in 2014, so lots of female energy to tap into and generate. Lots of magic and miracles to create.

So as a woman, how will you choose to express yourself and your positive, female energy today, this month, in March and for the rest of the year? It is our divine gift to share with our loved ones and the world.

MANY BLESSINGS,
Patricia Foster McKenley.

Patricia will be running Poetry Workshops, Self-Esteem Workshops for Young Women and Writing/Personal Development Workshops for Women during International Women’s Month. She’ll also be performing at various Poetry Readings throughout March. For bookings, contact:

+447956 476 547
Or
prfoster@hotmail.com

Please feel free to follow Patricia on Twitter @Ms_P_Foster

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R.I.P. Nelson ‘Madiba’ Mandela – A Great Source of Inspiration For Young People. 1918 – 2013. by Patricia Foster

December 6, 2013 /

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Yesterday the world momentarily paused and individual heartbeats stopped, as we learned of the sad passing of arguably one of the most inspirational and powerful men of the last one hundred years – Rolihlahla Dalibhunga Mandela. Also known as Madiba. Commonly known as Nelson Mandela.

He has left a legacy that in my eyes will never, ever be matched and taught so many about perseverance while living under scrutiny, standing firm against injustice, as well as the power and healing in forgiveness.

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To many, in particular the young, he was an incredible source of guidance and a visible presence they could link to for motivation.

He advocated the importance of education and the impact and difference it can make on a personal and global level:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” ~ Nelson Mandela

He always provided inspiration and encouragement, showing how young people can utilise their own gifts to be successful:

“Does anybody really think that they didn’t get what they had because they didn’t have the talent or the strength or the endurance or the commitment?” ~ Nelson Mandela

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During his challenges, struggles, battles against injustice and the Apartheid regime, personal grief and his twenty-seven years of imprisonment, Madiba learned tools and gained the strength to overcome fear:

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela

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Nelson Mandela epitomised the essence of love, peace and forgiveness. Humble and gently powerful, with the ability to let go so gracefully! R.I.P.

© Patricia Foster

Patricia Foster is an Internationally Published Poet, Performer, Visual and Multimedia Artist (BA Hons), Broadcaster, Certified Tutor/Trainer & Facilitator, Dynamic Educator and Creative Consultant. She is also a Life Coach, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Wellbeing Advisor, Vegan and lover of Raw Food. As a writer, she has toured the UK, Europe and the USA and has worked for the BBC as a workshop facilitator.

Performing Alongside Janet Kay and OneNess for The Virtue Programme Fundraiser

October 27, 2013 /

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Saturday 26th October 2013 was the night before the clocks went back in The UK. As a poet, it was also a night that will stay etched in my memory for a very long time, as I had the honour and pleasure of sharing the stage with the legendary, incredible, Queen of Lovers Rock Janet Kay.

Also on the bill was Superstar, award winning poet, singer-song writer and actress OneNess.

The purpose of the night was to raise funds for the unique, personal development programme for girls aged 13-16, The Virtue Programme. As well as performing my own set of poetry, I also had the honour of giving a presentation about the programme, of which I am one of the workshop facilitators.

It was difficult not to be star struck in the presence of Janet, but being the humble person she is, she was warm, open and down to earth. Her stage presence is enormous, but she rocked the stage and equally had all of the attendees – the majority women – rocking at their tables.

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OneNess wowed the audience with her powerful spoken word, singing and guitar playing. Her words definitely had a positive impact on the young women and girls in the audience.

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The night was finished off by all the performers (including Janet Kay) and audience members, doing the Electric Slide to Candy, by Cameo.

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The next instalment of the The Virtue Programme will be soon

For further information, email:
virtue@finalcalltoaction.com

Or call
07508 790 171.

Don’t miss this great opportunity of a life changing, high impact six week self-development experience for girls aged 13 – 16!

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Happy National Poetry Day 2013 – From Poet Patricia Foster

October 3, 2013 /
Photo by Giorgis Media

Photo by Giorgis Media

“National Poetry Day is a great opportunity for appreciators – from the classical and traditional word, the melancholic and lyrical word, to the contemporary, rapped and spoken word – to celebrate and indulge in a magnificent and efficacious art form.”

National Poetry Day Quote – by Patricia Foster

What does poetry mean to you? National Poetry Day is a very important day in the UK poetry and literature calendar. Celebrated on the first Thursday in October, poets, poetry organisations, schools, community groups, poetry supporters and poetry lovers alike acknowledge the art form. A day in recognition of poetry’s prominence, as well as its relevance in our ever changing society.

The theme for National Poetry Day 2013 is ‘Water’, inspired by Coleridge’s famous poetry line “Water, water everywhere”.

USEFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES
Education Scotland – National Poetry Day

The Forward Arts Foundation – National Poetry Day

The Poetry Society – National Poetry Day: ‘Water, water everywhere’

Black History Month – A Welcome Celebration

September 16, 2013 /

Black History Month – A Welcome Celebration

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Performance at the Southwark Libraries Black History Month Poetry Slam, 8th October 2011

In schools, libraries, youth centres and community groups across The UK, Black History Month provides an insight into African Caribbean communities, traditions and their cultural flavours.

In The UK, the month of October is a highly anticipated time for celebration, acknowledgement and education. The recognition of African Caribbean people who have contributed to British History and British present. Facts from over the centuries, that go way back, beyond June 22nd 1948, when Empire Windrush set sail from Jamaica to Tilbury with her Caribbean citizens from the former British Empire.

I look forward to taking part in a few events during Black History Month. It has always been a pleasure to do so over the years. I am still taking bookings for:

  • Poetry and Identity Workshops
  • School Poetry Workshops
  • Storytelling Workshops
  • ‘Celebrating People in Black History Using Multimedia’ Workshop
  • Poetry Readings

    • Have a great October!

    Photo by Carri Charles

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