​Lemn Sissay

​Lemn Sissay OBE is a renowned British poet, playwright, and broadcaster, celebrated for his compelling literary works and his dedication to social justice. His experiences growing up in the British care system have profoundly influenced his career, inspiring him to become a passionate advocate for racial equality. As a speaker, Lemn addresses topics such as identity, social division, race, and giving a voice to those often lost or overlooked by society. ​

Lemn’s early life was marked by adversity; placed into foster care shortly after birth, he faced numerous challenges within the care system. At 17, he self-published his first poetry pamphlet, Perceptions of the Pen, using his unemployment benefit money. Relocating to Manchester, he joined Commonword, a community publishing cooperative, as a literature development worker, which provided a platform to hone his writing skills. By 21, he published his first book of poetry, Tender Fingers in a Clenched Fist, marking the beginning of his literary career.​

Over the years, Lemn has achieved significant milestones. He was the official poet for the 2012 London Olympics and served as Chancellor of the University of Manchester from 2015 to 2022. His play Something Dark, which narrates his quest to find his family, was adapted for BBC Radio 3 and won the UK Commission for Racial Equality’s Race in the Media Award. In 2019, he received the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize for his commitment to fearless writing. His Sunday Times Bestseller memoir, My Name Is Why, published the same year, offers an intimate look into his early life and experiences within the British care system. More of Lemn’s published works include Listener (2009), Gold from the Stone (2017), and Sunday Times Bestseller, Let the Light Pour in (2025).​

Lemn is sought after as a speaker for his ability to weave personal narratives with broader societal issues, particularly those concerning racial equality and social justice. His talks delve into themes such as identity, social division, race, and amplifying the voices of those often lost or overlooked by society. Organisations and institutions engage Lemn to inspire and challenge audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of racial equality and the importance of inclusivity in today’s society.​