This blog covers from   October 2015 to October 1and my instalation at Uniersity of Macnehsterion

This blog covers 42 days from Sept 6th October 18th and includes the one year landmark since my installation as Chancellor of University of Manchester. From The Institute of Directors on the roof tops of Pall Mall in London to The Bishops Palace, from Alula Pankhurst in Toronto to aeronautical engineer, politician, and diplomat the executive director of Oxfam Chief Winnie Byanyima, the people and places I’ve been to this month conspire to inspire me. We begin on September 6th at the BBC recording Theatre for “Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories” in front of these people.

On Sept 7th this world service interview was broadcast by Hewete hailesalassie

Also on Sept 7th I was also I gave a talk at a conference on safeguarding looked after children at The Royal College of Paediatrics. On Sept 8th I’m interviewed by the inspired musicologist Giles Peterson at his brand spanking new radio station Worldwide FM. Everybody will know about Worldwide in time. Everything follows the music and the noise from our mouths.

And on the evening of 8th I was honoured to present prizes at The Southbank Centre for The CFLA Awards which has a significant write up in trade-zine The Bookseller.

On 9th September I speak about my new book Gold From The Stone on BBC Radio 4’s Loose Ends. That’s my new shiny cycling helmet getting some attention in the interview

10th September at 1pm Ten Pieces is shown on CBBC. I guess I can announce here that Ten Pieces has been nominated for a BAFTA!! I played a small part in this.

Also on 10th Sept The Guardian publish my article on a typical writing day. Click the pic

Then at 2pm after travelling to Carlisle I am on stage inside Carlisle Castle.

Back in London for 11th September where at 8.30am I am in the studio for an interview with Fern Britton on BBC Radio 2.

It’s on BBC radio 2 I proudly announced to the nation that it is Ethiopian New Years Day. It is also the anniversary of my fathers death in Ethiopia. But I don’t mention that.

Later that day I’m at The Wellcome Trust as a guest on a BBC Radio programme called All in The Mind. So proud to be sat next to Kathleen Jamie.
On 12th Sept I’m quite proud to have written and recorded an ident for BBC 2 in Soho. And just to let you know that every spare minute is spent writing the script for the next recording of Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories. Each one is 30 minutes long. But this is me in the studio for the 30 second BBC Ident.
On 13th I recorded a poem at Peckham Liberal Club for a poetry series for BBC iPlayer
On 16th I filmed on top of The Institute of Directors in Pal Mall for a short poem for the opening of their conference at The royal Albert Hall

I’ve spent every spare minute writing script for the next origin stories. On 17th I travelled to Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury where i am artistic director of an incredible project called Warrior Poets. It is an installation. Full of magic based on poems written by care leavers and refugees. It is a collective work by some incredible artists.

On 18th I took part in a historical reading of the entire De Profundis written by Oscar Wlde at Reading Jail. It took me 6 hours 30 minutes to read. The picture was taken just before the audience came in.

It was part of Artangels INSIDE Ai Wei Wei, Ranulph Feines, Stephen Bartlett Patti Smith and Maxine Peake are just some of the incredibe people involved.
At The Royal Albert Hall today on 19th the film recorded (earlier in September opens The Institute of Directors conference.

On 19th I met with my lawyer. I did an interview with Mark Radcliffe for BBC Radio 6 and Still Loving Thy Neighbour was broadcast on BBC Radio Four in which I was interviewed. I’ve finished my script and in the evening of 19th I recorded live at The BBC Broadcast Theatre for the 2nd of Origin Stories.
And the audience were really special. These events are at capacity which is a real joy.
20th September was the launch of Felix Anaut’s exhibition at The Menier Gallery. He has integrated my words into his art. It is a special rhythm that has been found between us. The woman in the centre is Dame Diana Rigg. In the few quality minutes we chatted about those who call an artist an “arteeeest”. On my right is the genius Felix Anaut himself.

The exhibition opening fizzed with life – Dame Diana Rigg voiced my poems in a video art work at the exhibition. That’s a once in a lifetime for me.

I woke early the following day Wednesday 21st and traveled to Liverpool to meet The Christmas Dinner team. The picture below is half the team in Liverpool. They are incredible.
It’s the third time they’ve met and they are totally on top of it. I took the picture below.
I then got on a train to Leeds to meet the Leeds Christmas Dinner team (pic below) they were absolutely on top of it too . I am so proud that given the right reason people can change the world. We are taking care of the care leaver on Christmas Day. It is the greatest thing. Please get involved if you’d like to. Click on the link.

On 23rd September I travelled to Canada where on 24th I gave the keynote address at The Bikila Awards amongst some incredible winners. I was there to present the lifetime acheivement award to The Pankhurst Family represented by brother Alula Pankhurst. The awards celebrate Ethiopian achievers.
This was the audience after my keynote speech. The Bikila award is about setting standards for young Ethiopians and is named after the Ethiopian runner Bikila who ran barefoot and won in 1960. Against all the odds.
There is a profound connection between The Pankhurst family and University of Manchester. This is Alula Pankhurst who took the award on behalf of his incredible family and their dedication to Ethiopia.

This is the poster for The Bikila Awards. I spend every spare second in my hotel room writing script
On September 28th The Institute of Directors open their conference at The Royal Albert Hall with a video made earlier this month.

Back in England on 29th I speak at The Looked After Childrens Education conference at Oxford Football Stadium and meet the Oxford Christmas dinner team. Then I travelled to Canterbury where on 30th September I spent time at The Marlowe Theatre for an exciting project called Warrior Poets. I am the artistic director. It is an installation based on the poems written by care leavers. What an incredible team of artists to work with. Today was simply rehearsal
I wake in Canterbury on 1st October. the Guardian newspaper published a moving piece which you can read in full here. Please look at the comments beneath the article.

On Oct 1st I presented a BBC ident to link from Railway nation to Kate Tempest.
On 2nd I took the train to Manchester. Look what my hotel The Malmaison in Piccadilly Manchester did – They quoted my poem entitled RAIN

2nd of October was also my book launch at Home in Manchester. It sold out. It was an honour to become patron of Retrak with director Sir Peter Fahey.

Blackwells sold one hundred and fifty books of poetry. They also gave a book launch discount. LOVE Blackwells. I signed the books straight afterwards. Love signing.

On 3rd I travel back to London to perform in the evening at The Backyard Comedy Club for the third of my series “Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories” which seems to be catching peoples imagination across the country. I especially loved the venue. These have mainly been performed at The BBC Broadcast Theatre. They are broadcast a week after the live performance.

October 3rd was also the first live national broadcast of Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories. On 4th I judged the Slambassadors poetry competition in south London at somewhere called The Poetry School On 5th I travel to Portsmouth ready.

I wake up on 6th. IT’S NATIONAL POETRY DAY and my first gig is the key note address at a conference in Portsmouth at 9.30am about education and the child in care. Then I left for London and arrived at 1pm. While getting ready to be interviewed by Johnathon Ross I met Margaret Atwood.
Then I do the Jonathan Ross interview. It was fun.

Then straight on a train to Sevenoaks to meet the inspiring Fleur of Sevenoaks Bookshop. It is an independent bookshop. Fleur picked me up from the station looking really cool in the most “independent book shop car” that I have ever seen. They should park it in front of the bookshop and do the publicity shot. On my insistance we took one anyway.

And then I read on stage followed by Q&A at then Sevenoaks. Photo by Roger Lee
The car spun me back to London to the BBC Studio for an 11.30 reading of my poem Architechture on BBC Newsnight. And that’s the end of 6th October National Poetry Day.

On 7th and traveled straight off to The Cheltenham Literature festival The Queens Hotel

Love Cheltenham Literature Festival. Script finished for Origin Stories by the way.

On October 8th I travel to Manchester to read to a capacity audience at Contact Theatre for Manchester International Literature Festival.

On 9th October I travelled to at Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury to see my installation “Warrior Poets”. The public are ready to enter. The installation lasts twenty minutes and every viewing was full. People came out crying with hope and empathy.
I am honoured to have worked with the artists in Canterbury. This piece of work with words by young people in care including refugee children is beautiful. The work brought me and many others to tears as I mentioned. From Canterbury I travel straight to Manchester on 10th to attend meetings at University of Manchester. It’s also the 2nd national broadcast of Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories on BBC Radio 4. I am writing script for the next . On 12th October I attend the first Hackney Christmas Dinner meeting at Arcola Theatre. I spend the next two days script writing. October 15th I travelled to the Chester Literature festival where a sold out audience awaits.

October 17th is the 3rd broadcast of Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories on BBC Radio 4. It seems to be going well. Although I am nervous about 4th broadcast and I’m writing it.
So in the evening of 17th Irecorded the final episode of Lemn Sissay’s Origin Stories at BBC Broadcast Theatre. If you want to know who the amazing people are in a production such as this look to the producer. In this case it’s a man called Ed Morrish. Here’s the audience. They’re not here for him. They here for me. That’s what I tell him. Truth is that they wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for him.
on 18th October I travelled to Somerset to read in The Bishops Palace in Wells. Another packed audience 200 miles away and another wonderful reading. I love reading my poems to audiences.
Followed by another incredible book signing for Gold From The Stone.
I wake at 5am and travel to University of Manchester for Foundation Day on 18th . It is a year since I was installed as Chancellor at Foundation Day 2015. Winnie Byanyima delivered a fierce moving and inspiring speech “‘Advancing Women’s Rights in an Unequal World.” It made me proud to be Chanellor of The University of Manchester. Winnie received an honorary doctorate alongside Lord David Alliance, Professor Dame Sue Bailey, Mr Anil Ruia and Sir Norman Stoller.

Outside the university a quote lifted from my speech at that same ceremony one year ago almost to the day.
This is not all I’ve done this past six weeks. Thanks for staying to the end. I’m thankful of sobriety. I am thankful to do all of this work. I am grateful. As we walk towards Christmas I am most inspired by the Christmas Dinners. So there’s been Installations, artwork, readings, broadcasts and extraordinary events like the reading in Reading Jail of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis. There have been things that have gone wrong. I do an original tweet/poem/ipdate each morning but I missed four. They’re back now. Seeya

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The past 18 days I’ve mainly been writing the first episode of a series called Origin Stories for BBC radio 4. (It’s 318 days since my installation as Chancellor.) Then there’s been the publication of my new and selected poems called Gold from the Stone and the start of the Gold from the Stone. Oh and the beginning of The Christmas Dinners. So On 17th I spent the day in Liveroool for The Christmas Dinner, A care leaver sang Amazing Grace at the end and had us in tears. Back in London on 19th I finish recording for BBC radio “Lemn Sissay on Bob Marley”. click link to listen.

On Sat 20th I did BBC London and met Reece wetherspoon really enjoyed the interview.

On 21st I appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival for the launch of my book Gold from the Stone. I was interviewed by the new head of Scottish Poetry Library: Asif Khan

Quiet incredible piece in The Observer came out the same day

 

 

One of my morning noises was quoted in the article.

 

And the book signing afterwards was a joy. Sold out of the books.

On 22nd I was a guest on R3’s The Verb with Ian McMillan live at the Edinburgh Book Festival..

Booker prize winner James Kellman there too. He recalled how we read together at The Radical Black Bookfair 25 years ago.

On 23rd I saw Her Name Was Carmen at Englsih National Opera in London with my friend Bobbi Byrne. The star is Irina Korlesnikova one of “the greatest classical dancers of our time”. She wept as she curtain closed. took her bow. I loved it!

The next day on 24th I traveled to Manchester and had one of the most momentous days in my adult life. I can’t speak about it yet. But I will.

After returning to London on 26th I set off for the Greenbelt Festival on 27th. many came.I am loving this book tour.

 

And another great book signing. It feels like my first book. Anabsolute honour.

Later in the day I gave a Q and A with author Martin Wroe. A packed house. Tent.

The next day 28th I gave a masterclass but most exciting for me was the meeting with Satish Kumar. He wrote No Destination which was adapted for The World Service. I was the voice of the book. We’ve been wanting to meet each other for a few years now.

A good festival means meeting good people. Chatting to Simon Mayo at the breakfast table in the hotel was another highlight. He shared his creative explorations which had me on the edge of my seat.Back in London on 29th was my book launch @roughtradeeast

Then booksigning was a blast yet again. I’m meeting old friends and new.

Emperor Haile Selassie’s grandson Prince Michael Makonnen came . I am honoured.

On 30th August I travelled to Bristol to launch the book at Rise Music.

after the booksigning I noticed The Stay Gold mug.

Bristol was a blast then I set straight off for Rough Trade in Nottingham

and the book signing was beautiful yet again. Honest it really was.

The three events at Rough Trade have been a success. Ka Booom!

Straight back to London on 1st sept where I was interviewed by Sophie Ikenye for Focus Africa who was recently voted one of the 100 most successful young africans in the world

and then a BBC World interview on the world service with Hewete Haileselassie

and on 2nd September I interviewed marquees of queensberry for BBC PM programme

Friday 2nd Ten pieces at The Royal Albert Hall presented by naomi Wilkinson and myself was was broadcast on BBC radio 2. On 4th I was a guest on BBC TV’s Sunday Morning Live with Naga Munchetty. She’s on strictly come dancing this year.

Some years ago I stopped drinking and started living. Stopping drinking and starting living is the best thing I have done in my adult life. I don’t know if you’ll understand this but…… I got Lemn back.

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This blog covers the 21 days which follow 24th July. It’s 301 days since my installation as Chancellor at University of Manchester. We begin this blog with the second night at the proms. In the photo is seasoned presenter Naomi Wilkinson and myself.

then an interview with britain’s foremost performance poetry organisation Apples and Snakes at Freeword Centre on 27th July

Lunch on 28th with literary agent Clare Conville of Conville and Walsh in Soho where finally I sign the contracts for my new book Gold from The Stone.

on 30th July I perform at WOMAD. it’s a beautiful event. Poetry beneath the poet tree.

Then backstage I met Baaba Maal. This picture is taken by Suzette Newman.

And then the genius inviteD me on stage to read Let There Be Peace which features on his latest album Traveller.
On August 2nd I went to the West End to see SHOWBOAT with the artistic director of he Place Kenneth Tharp. Showboat is a brilliant piece of work featuring Paul Robeson’s Old man River. It’s beautiful. To me it is all about family.

On August 4th I travel to Notting Hill Gate to drop in to my publishers to see my book for the first time I’m over the moon. It’s the first time a book has felt like the first book since the first book. Only a writer will know how profound that first book feeling is and how difficult it is to get that feeling back. Well it is back.

The day after on August 5th I fly to Washington DC and land on 6th. That evening my beautiful Godmother welcomed me with a celebratory meal among friends in Potomac. My books are being sent by Fedex in the hope they arrive for my reading tomorrow. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie came to the meal with his wife. I am honoured. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

This is my Godmother Ethiopia Alfred. The picture was taken at her home in Potomac.

The next day on 7th I am interviewed by Gera Deregework for Diaspora TV in one of my Godmothers rooms.

And then I’m on stage at a synagogue. It’s a beautiful reading (Photo by Marta Ali)

But I think this picture says it all. It tells me everything about love and poetry. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

The books haven’t arrived so the poster signing afterwards takes their place. Sophia Alfred and Tutu Alfred to my left.

My events span all the generations. Poetry above all, has the ability to do this.(Photo by Matt Andrea)

And this is the MC for the event. Her name is Nunu Wako. The kiss is a tradition now.(Photo by Matt Andrea)

And this is Grammy nominated singer Wayna Wondwossen who performed her songs. She has three albums to her name and also sings with Stevie Wonder. She is Ethiopian American and the great woman on her left with her is Kiddy. They are beautiful people.(Photo by Matt Andrea)

After the event we ate at meaza restaurant in Virginia This is Annett Johnson who went to school with my mother in Ethiopia and remained close friends up until around the time I was born.(Photo by Matt Andrea)

and below is the Princess Adeye Emeru and the ambassador to Germany on Haile Selassies time meru zeleke He is 90 years of age, Dr Abebe haregewoin and I am honoured they came to my event. (Photo by Matt Andrea)

and this is Yohannes Zeleke and Zenash Shukro outside the restaurant.(Photo by Matt Andrea)

On 9th August we travel to New York and stay at the New York Palace Lotte Hotel. It’s where Obama stayed. This is the view of midtown from my room. The church is where the Kennedys were married.

Later on in Harlem I performed with Wayna Wondwossen at Ginny’s Supper Club which is downstairs below Red Rooster run by star chef Marcus Samuelsson. I appreciate that he passed by to say hello. I know he was working at his other restaurant & has a newborn.

And then it was time to read on stage after Wayna Wondwossen.

It was a great gig. My books have arrived too. They sold out in 15 minutes. Most memorable is this boy who was working in the Red Rooster kitchen. He overheard my reading and rushed out to buy a book. When the kitchen staff love what you did then you know it was good. It’s all about the kitchen.

Ginny’s Supper club was the first signing of my book on 9th August. It predates the book launch at The Edinburgh Book Festival on 21st August.
Thankyou Marcus Samuelsson and Tadias for an incredible event. The man on my left is Girmachew Azbte. I thank him for The New York Palace. And while I am at it I think both Ethiopia Alfred and Kiddy.

The next day we all eat at The Queen of Sheba restaurant. It is the oldest Ethiopian restaurant in NY.

And the day afterwards my Godmother takes me to Delaware for a detox day of relaxation
This is a picture of beautiful Wayna Wondwossen outside Red Rooster in Harlem.

All this activity in America has been made possible by my Godmother Ethiopia Alfred . She supports me with love kindness, laughter and warmth. This is my book on the reception desk at The New York Palace. I am hoping to be back in the States in the last week of November. If you are interested in US Bookings while I’m there then please write nicky@dontpanicprojects.com

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This blog covers the past 15 days of a total of 280 days since my installation as Chancellor at University of Manchester. These are the highlights. I will shape my blogs in this way until the first year ends. This blog is not full of official commitments in my role as chancellor but I am using the installation to mark time. So let’s begin. On July 8th I visited the prison where Oscar Wilde was jailed for two years.

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This is Subrina. She cuts my hair .

The afro has gone. But it went the day before a BBC broadcast ‘Portrait of..” (click pic)

In which I have an Afro. The portrait is in The Foundling Museum

This came though. These things inspire me. It’s the reason I’m Chancellor: to inspire.

The next day I delivered a keynote at the launch of Teach First Summer Institute. Teachers are under pressure. They need support. Teach first puts them first.

I popped in to my university to see the award winning communications team

Then to see On Corporation St at HOME and hang with friend & actor Yusra Warsama.

That evening I met Sally Lyndsay. Sally kindly helped The Christmas Dinner.
And I had a special meeting with World Champion Geoff Thompson

Kate Tempest told me about a special poet from Manchester. So I go see him at Band on The Wall in manchester.

I speak at The Ramadan Tent Project on the university of Manchester campus.

I am proud to be part of a university that looks like this. I REALLY am.

The next day I meet The Education people to record script for an online resource

In my role as Chancellor I chair the General Assembly of The University of Manchester.

Later in the evening a speech by John McGrath the artistic director of MIF.

Back to London for a day and then straight to France to a bilingual literature festival Here are three different generations each involved in a different way with my reading.

I loved this french excursion. The reading was a blast. The referendum was not.

And then straight back to Manchester where baggage handlers managed to ruin my bags

I spoke at The Heads Leadership conference in Cheshire. I felt inspired by them.

 

Then straight back to London. (Flybe have telephoned and organised to pick my bag.) I gave the Keynote for Artsworks at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre. Thanks to Murray Freestone for the photo.

 

 

Then I legged it back to Manchester on the Pendellino train. This poster was on a wall.

the proofs for my new and selected poems are waiting at The Malmaison Hotel
The next day I wake at 5am. I’m on Breakfast TV at 8.30am in Media City.

In the evening I read Listening Post at Heaton Park. You can see the gig by clicking here.

On the same day TED NPR (my favourite podcast) decided to repeat my interview

I spent the weekend in Manchester writing script. On Sunday JUly 3rd BBC Radio

On July 4th I read poems at Macclesfield Academy to young people in transition week..

On Tuesday July 5th I visit Sheffield and spend the day with my friend Julie Stewart

at The Childrens Media Conference then I gave the keynote address: It is the UK’s premier meeting place for the children’s content industries.

It was an audience at the top of their game at the top of their industry. Then I was taxi’d to the station and onwards:I wake the next day in a different country.

July 6th is an historic day for Wales: At ten in the morning I ‘m sat with fifteen young people. They suffer anxiety. I show them how to make poems. And they do.

On the way home back to England I receive this. It’s a limited edition. It’ll be on sale soon at University of Manchester. Look out on Facebook for the link.

On 7th July I am in Brighton at 10am to judge the creative future literary awards. This is a unique prize and I love it. It is for the marginalized and unheard.

Then back to London to BBC to interview Linton Kwesi Johnson about Bob Marley for a BBC radio programe I am presenting.

By the time I get home the insurance company make an offer and say I can use their offer to buy particular luggage. But I don’t want to buy their luggage. I want mine.

Each day between 5am and 10am I try to write an original morning tweet. Here are two. The one above is about Brexit and the one below is about The Somme.

I know these posts are uninspiring. They are lists of what I do. I’ll stop them when it’s reached a year since my instalation as Chancellor at The University. Nearly there. Then I’ll get back to writing blogs. Thanks. But finally…. finally honest….just a couple of days ago I received these two photographs from my childhood from a guy called Mark English – his mum actually. I am grateful. They are immediately precious to me.

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More of the above later. It’s two weeks since 228 days. I begin in beautiful Cornwall at The Charles Causeley Festival. I love reading poems on stage . It doesn’t matter where I am or if it’s a big event or a small one.

This is the hotel in Truro: My room is the one with the open window.

Meanwhile in Washington DC the video made by University of Manchester to mark my installation as chancellor was presented with a Grand Gold Award at the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education Awards.

I travel three hundred miles and gave a speech in Rochdale at Hopwood Hall Further Education Awards 2016 to celebrate the brilliant students and graduates.

A woman caught up with me as I left ” Can I get a selfie?” she said. Then the real reason blurted out “I didn’t leave my house for 8 years. Then I came here and it’s changed me”. We took a selfie. I was moved by the power of education by the power of students. .

About a year ago I asked for ten laptops for a Children’s Home in Ethiopia. The final five have arrived in London. They’ve been updated with the latest software. How many laptops are left unused here in UK. Call me if you have one or two or ten?
Then I popped on a flight to Dublin to The Festival of Writing and Ideas in Borris County Carlow, Ireland.

The subject of first event was “Solitude and Displacement” with my friend Sulaiman Addonia. It was a fun, uplifting, flare of an event.

Meanwhile I received a request from Manchester to encourage students who were spending their weekend writing 20,000 words at #thesisbootcamp.
A festival is a great place to catch up with great people: Artists enjoy artists. Writers enjoy writers.

I flew from Ireland to to Liverpool for a couple of days. The first day I visited The Liverpool Christmas Dinner Team for care Leavers. Liverpool are ahead. The hashtag to follow on twitter is #LCDinner16. Send me a message if you want to get involved.
The next day I gave a keynote address for the Looked After Childrens Education Service at HOPE University in Liverpool.
And the day after I travelled to The University of Manchester.
To speak at the Fair Education Alliance Report Card Launch .

While doing these things I’ve been trying to write the introduction to my next book. Here’s the first paragraph.

“I thought the world smiled. Always. Every room I walked into was full of smiling people. The streets. Full of smiling people. School. Full of smiling people. I didn’t realize it was me smiling at the world smiling back at me. I was a popular kid at school and did a good sideline in poems for all occasions. My first commission and public reading was at the assembly hall on the last day where I performed a poem to celebrate our year group and all our shenanigans.”

I write a morning tweet each day. This one is in response to the murder of MP Jo Cox

. I hope you have a listen on Monday 20th June to A portrait of….

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Thankyou for your comments. My light switched back on May 4th as you know. So let’s crack on. Here are some glimpses of what’s been happening over the last seventeen days since May 16th. It begins in Northern Ireland. I visited the talented young people at Verbal Arts Centre in Derry with the artist and designer Morag Myerscough. We are hatching some beautiful plans there. I have been working in Derry/Londonderry for some years now. Our visit featured in the Londonderry Sentinel.

The next day I traveled to to Seamus Heaney’s Home Place. It’s a new venue in Mid Ulster where he was born. It will be opening very soon. I read poetry and talked my story as part of their “outreach education” at Mid Ulster library. Just look at their faces. It will be the first time many of them have listened to a black man speak for an hour. This matters. What is said and how it is said matters too.

Here’s a video. It was shot at Verbal Arts Centre on the wall in Derry/Londonderry in 2014 hence the beard

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Back in England from Belfast I scoot up to Manchester and record a film for The World Wakes. It’s a commissioned poem written for an exhibition called Adventures in Flatland at The Home of Graphene in The University of Manchester. It opens later this year. Took this picture on a tea break outside Five Four Studios in Salford. World Class studios.

Then onto The Bradford Literature festival. BLF immediately ages all other literature festivals in England. Diversity isn’t an afterthought of BLF it’s their core vision thus reflecting the people of Yorkshire and Britain. I had my birthday in Bradford too on May 21st and at the stroke of midnight leaving the 20th and entering 21st…..

Thanks to the thousands of good hearted well wishers. Every tweet and facebook message made a difference to me. Later on the next day – still my birthday – I presented a Television a show called The Road To Wembley on BBC One just before the FA Cup Final. And I loved it. You can still watch it for the next few days.

Then the next day I gave a talk called The Secret of My Success with Kit de Waal, Naz Khan MP, Mark Garrett, and me. It sold out. Not bad for 10.30am on a Sunday. And don’t let the title throw you. This was a discussion about adoption and “care” in literature and adoption and “care” in general. I liked the absolute authenticity of Naz Khan (she was a foster child), the openess and clarity of Mike Garratt (head of Marketing at Bradford University and adopted child) and the calmness, depth and style of Kit De Waal. I have her book “My name is Leon”. I am gonna start reading it after posting this blog.

Bradford Literature Festival is about connections. For me the meal on Sunday night was the highlight of the festival. On the left Sudeep Sen and Miz De Shanon. Centre is Gourmet chef, host and initiator of this fantastic evening Rahila Hussein and the Blonde on the right is the brilliant and funny Shanaz Gulzar

And the next day was in London’s Sheperds Bush. I gave a poetry workshop for Home Educated students for The BBC Ten Pieces project. It’s a little nerve wracking giving a workshop to children while the parents are watching from the back of the room. But it was beautiful.

And that same evening I raced over to Canary Wharf to what was called a Blue Sky Event for a charity called Steamco . Their primary aim is to inspire children with creativity.

The event was in The Blue Sky on 30th floor of the Barclays Building in Canary Wharf. It was packed with educationalists and bankers. In support. “CSR is no longer an addition to our processes here at Barclays. CSR is the core of our business plan” said Ashok Vishwani the CEO of personal and corporate Banking. CSR is Corporate Social Responsibility. He was reflecting on the banks changes after the shock and awe meltdown of Barclays/Banking in 2012. “Shock and awe” are my words not his…………The view. The view. The view.

Steamco is an educational charity and that is why I was there: to be among some impressive and committed speakers and educationalists.

The next day I spoke in Liverpool at The Binary Festival organised by Herb Kim. My talk was based on the fact that this medium – The one you are reading in – is deeply personal. I blog as a point of record that I am alive at any given time. But more electrifying was the talk by Steven Bartlett. He’s 23. If you get chance listen to this man The average age of the people in his marketing/social media/promotion company – offices in Berlin, New York and London – is 22. “Soon it won’t be called Social Media. It will be called…… Media”.

A meeting the following day in Notting Hill at Canongate Books. My book launch will be August 25th at The Edinburgh Book Festival and I’ll be touring up until Christmas. We’re putting the tour together now. The pick below is a mock up of my book Gold From The Stone New and Selected Poems, in Notting Hill Station. There will be select launches at Rough Trade. Very excited about that.

The next day I travelled out of the city to Charbury in The Cotswolds to give a workshop with some incredible and talented young people – Superheroes – in Hillcrest Children’s Services home and school.

I came back to London for a break but had to leave immediately for Manchester. My Friend Jason got married to Yvonne. They are Javonne.

The ceremony was on stage at The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. Jason and Yvonne work in theatre. The team at Royal Exchange know Javonne so the event was special the lighting was perfect and it was an honour to be at a piece of history. This was a theatre first. For me it was an opportunity to catch up with good friends old and new. This picture below was taken outside with Choreographer dancer and photographer Benji reid and film maker Clive Hunte.

Back in London and the East End yesterday I walked the steps to the top floor of The Whitechapel Gallery to speak with the incredibly talented and mindful students of Year Here. They were chosen from 2,000 applicants for this illuminating year long course on social enterprise. We spoke of authenticity and how to incorporate your story within the work you do. They inspired me and I hope I inspired them. The tweet below refers to my talk. I was showing how an institution built to serve a need becomes an institution manipulated to serve itself. By example I was saying that many staff members in the care system would say (to me) “I am in this job because I love children”. This sounds good and well meaning. But no staff member ever said this to me in first person “I am in this job because I love you”. What this exemplifies is the gap. It is in this gap that all manner of future abuses are seeded. I hope I’ve explained that properly for you. Um basically if you “love children” in the care system you show the love through action which means not telling them. If I have to take it further for you to understand then let me. What impression would it give a child that every person they meet in the care system says they love children before disappearing.

So later that afternoon I spoke at Goldsmiths University on a panel after the film Mercy mercy was screened. Mercy Mercy is about an adopted child called Masho from Ethiopia. The film and the director Katrine Rijs Kjær (and me) where brought to Goldsmiths by Dr Perlita Harris. The event sold out. I have been championing this film and drawing people to it over the past two years. MASHO the adopted girl at the heart of this film is one who has been pushed down The Gap which I spoke about earlier. This film changed the law on adoption in Denmark and was front page news in all the tabloids. The editor is the editor for many Lars Von Trier films. Mercy Mercy is an extraordinary piece of documentary film making and for the commissioners here’s all you needed to have thought “Denmark has introduced us to some incredible Drama. Now it’s time for incredible documentary”. There was an unprecedented recommendation for Mercy Mercy at The Grierson Awards this year. Clearly the judges were split between the winner and Mercy Mercy. I have shown it at The Ritz in Brixton, The Picturehouse at Home Cinema in Manchester and Picturehouse in Hackney. In Manchester a staff member said “it’s the best documentary film and Q and A” that I’ve ever attended.

Yesterday I cycle to The Foundling Museum for the final recording and the reveal of my portrait!! It’s for a BBC radio 4 program called “Portrait of Lemn Sissay”. It’ll broadcast on June 22nd. I do hope The Foundling Museum display the painting at least for a short time on the week of the broadcast. (Caro?) The photograph, which is taken in The Court Room of The Foundling Museum where children were selected for adoption in the 1800s. But the photo does not do justice to the painting.

There’s been national and local press but nothing has come close to this interview by Antonio Rolo Duarte and Jeanmiguel Uva. They are the Editor-in-Cheif and Deputy Editor-in-Cheif of The Manchester Magazine. It is an independent student magazine for The University of Manchester. The article has spun around the world in just a few days. Click here or the picture for the full article.

Not everything has run smoothly. There was a workshop that I was scheduled to give at my University and I cancelled it. am sorry that I caused disruption to various people in the university. Also I couldn’t be with the Purple Wave of University Runners at The Great Manchester run. It was won by an Ethiopian wasn’t it. 🙂

And so we come to today. Yes today. (Pic below 2015 Maryland Stadium)

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It’s two hundred and eleven days since my installation in the ceremonial role of Chancellor of University of Manchester.
The last blog marked the first one hundred days since my installation. This blog represents the following one hundred and eleven days. It started with a photoshoot by Greg Williams which made me feel incredibly special. This is Loo How. Loo works with Greg. Greg works with Loo. She’s cool.
I presented Mid Week special on BBC Radio Four. Click Photo to hear the show.
I was in Manchester to Sell The Big Issue in support of Big Issue vendors.
I gave a masterclass at Chicken Shed Theatre. A joy it was.

I read to the incredible children of Ashfield School in Carlisle

I loved inspiring the staff of the special schools of Redbridge in London
I gave a TEdx talk in Manchester. Hmm. Must do better next time.
I absolutely loved this talk with the care professionals of Birmingham.

And then I flew to Ethiopia to Addis Ababa

to read poetry at The first Ministerial Conference on Immunization in Africa. This picture is taken at the Organisation of African Unity

On February 25th I was interviewed on Meet EBC with Tefera Gedhamu which broadcast to the nation. Click photo to watch.

Back in UK the great Baaba Maal includes two of my poems on his new album.
In London the first part of Lock and Quay (a landmark poem) is embedded into Surrey Quays new development.
I gave a MOTH talk at Union Chapel in Islington with some incredible speakers. I can’t find reference to it online. I am a fan The Moth so it was an honour to do this event. A brilliant brilliant time reading poems at Stanza festival in Scotland, More Music in Morecambe, Contact Theatre in Manchester,
Letters Live at Cadogan Hall in London and Ennis book festival with Kate Aidie in Northern Ireland.
On BBC World Service along with Luce Doucet, Nandita Das, Nunu Ntshingila I am one of the judges for Outlook inspirations this year. Click picture to hear the interview. A wonderful event at Huddersfield Literature Festiva Asfa-Wossen Asserate (below) about his book King of Kings The Triumph of Emperor Haile Selassie.

The Alumni at University of Manchester welcomed me at a special in The Foundling Museum

Then I visited one of my favorite places on earth: Northern Ireland and Belfast to work with inspiring care leavers.
I Spent a week in Carlisle to write and record a poem for them. Mansio. It was wonderful to learn about the castle. I don’t like castles. They’re places of ruthless oppression
And then I flew to America to New Hampshire College for a week. No pictures. Aggh. It’s the most liberal college in the states.

I flew back to England to give the closing address at The Future Everything Conference. An awesome venue at Manchester Town hall.

I was proud to speak The Global Health Society poetry competition at University of Manchester. The quality of work was outstanding.

Organised by this incredible author Mukesh Kapila CBE whom I first met in Dubai.

In Norwich I read poems and spoke my story at Your own Place supporting young people in transition

Wenlock Poetry Festival working lunch and a sold out performance in the evening. .
To Cape Town South Africa: I read poems at Going Global 2016 in front of Vice Chancellors and educationalists from around the world. The education minister for South Africa was there. I said to the assembled audience ” Manchester University is the greatest university on earth”.
Click this picture below for the Going Global Webpage Back in England I present Midweek Special on BBC Radio 4 Click picture to listen
I spent a weekend at the brilliant Wisewords Festival in Canterbury. This festival has matured into something special.

Poetry in a giant Yurt. A beautiful venue. It sold out like all the readings. I am always moved when an event for poetry sells out.
I was at a cinema arts complex called HOME in Manchester to show the incredible film Mercy Mercy with director Katrine. Thankyou Home.

I was at University of Manchester in Whitworth Hall for the truly inspiring Making A Difference Awards. It makes me proud to be Chancellor of the University of Manchester where Social Responsibility is priority .
And here are some of the incredible winners at the Making a Difference Awards

Finished filming The Road To Wembley broadcast this Wednesday at 11.45pm on BBC1 or 2 and on FA Cup day at 2.30pm.

I was proud and moved to tears at The jersey Foster Carer Awards. There is something magical about fostering.

I’ve written two commissions: One for The Battle of The Somme which will be read and performed at The commemoration of the 100th anniversary on July 1st and also a poem about Graphene which will be broadcast at the exhibition Adventures in Flatland. I’ve finished my New And selected poems with Canongate Books. Here’s the cover. It is available for pre-orders and will be launched later this year. Hardback too!

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On stage at the launch of the the film Suffragette alongside Helen Pankhurst.

Speaking at the student Union at University of Manchester.

Speaking to 600 trainee teachers at University Place at University of Manchester

With BBC Philarmonic in Salford for ten pieces live lessons: The BBC’s best ever music education initiative.
Keynote at Digital Manchester conference
Speaking with students and arts workers at Islington Arts and media College
Speaking at North West Schools Led Conference for head teachers

Speaking at ADHD conference in Liverpool with Rory Bremner
Speaking in The Clore Ballroom at Southbank Centre with Jude Kelly CBE for The WHY Festival at Southbank Centre
Reading poems at a literature festival in Rotterdam
Delivering a TEdX talk at Addis Ababa University
Attending my first graduation ceremony as Chancellor at University of Manchester.
Launching public art poem “Let There Be Peace” at The British Council in Addis Ababa.

These are only a few of the events I have taken part in since

I became Chancellor at University of Manchester 100 days ago.

So what’s happened in 100 days besides the aforementioned? Firstly and uniquely I was awarded an honorary doctorate.

The citation for the doctorate was read by professor Jeanette Winterson. Here I am sat in front of Jeanette. I am sat to the right of President and Vice Chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell with Dr Joan Bakewell to my right.
Ambassador Berhanu for Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia came to the Ceremony.

Then a few days later I flew to The library of Congress in The United States of America.
Where I read for an audience which included HIH Prince Ermias Sahle Selasie.

In December I returned to the United States to Capitol Hill to meet member of Congress Chris Van Hollen of Maryland’s 8th district.

Where I was honoured and presented with a citation
I received a Resolution and Commendation from Member of Congress Michael M Honda of 17th District California

At my reading in Takoma I was received by Kate Stewart the new Mayor of Takoma Park.

It’s still my first 100 days. I’m writing this blog from Ethiopia where I share special guest status with actor, and Miss France 2000, Sonia Rolland. We are here to support charity fashion gala in aid of ECF childrens fund. Many of the children are orphans. We visited the school.

The Gala is Fashion. Fashion changes society through vision. The designers, the models, the set designers, the make up artists, the organisers…. everyone involved is dedicated to raising money for these children. All of Addis Ababa society turned out.
The gala is run by ex model and philanthropist Anna Getaneh.This year was the 20th anniversary of ECF Childrens Fund.
At the auction this green jacket (donated by naked ape) was auctioned for 30,000. The woman next to me is Maya Haile . The dress she wore was auctioned at 70,000 birr. Approximately 250,000 was raised for ECF that night.

I met with Foreign Minister for The Federal Republic of Ethiopia Tedros Adhanom. Ethiopia has expanded its university program. 25 years ago Ethiopia had 10 Universities Now there are 34. 10 more will be opening in the next 5 years.It was an honour to share the latest University of Manchester Magazine with the Foreign Minister.
University of Manchester has many links with Ethiopia. Sylvia Pankhurst is buried in Ethiopia. Her son Dr Richard Pankhurst lives in Ethiopia. The news broke on the 100th day: By popular vote Manchester’s first statue of a woman in 100 years is Emmeline Pankhurst. Below Professor Richard Pankhurst at his home in Addis.

Seven weeks after my chancellorship I spearheaded a campaign to raise money for Christmas Dinners for care leavers. We raised £45,000 in forty days.
University of Manchester were kind enough to donate The Chancellors Hotel and much more to the young care leavers of the North West.I can say with pride that I spent Christmas day at University of Manchester.
can inspire and be inspired by this incredible revolutionary university led by president and vice chancellor Dame Nancy Rothwell
I am lifted by the graduands. These inspirational moments give me great pride.

In 100 days I have performed in front of thousands and broadcast to millions. I’ve written articles for national newspapers and inspired exhibitions. My desert Island discs became pick of The Year for BBC radio 4 . My BBC North West TV program on 50th anniversary of The Race Relations Act – Race Apart – gives me great pride as a member of University of Manchester. My work on Ten Pieces has been ordered by three quarters of all the secondary schools in Britain. There is more.

Yet most of these events are not official university of Manchester appointments. My role as Chancellor is ceremonial. 100 days have gone and I’ve loved every minute. My only regret is that I can’t get themback.