SOAS welcomes the First Poet Laureate of Barbados this summer as Visiting Fellow
Esther Phillips, the esteemed First Poet Laureate of Barbados who is renowned for her poetry that breathes life into the untold stories of the past, will be based at SOAS University of London this summer as Visiting Fellow.
Esther’s poetry invites readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past, encouraging dialogue and understanding. Her poetic work embarks on a profound exploration of the legacies of the slave trade through her research, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of poetry and academia alike. With her verses and imagery, she sheds light on the complexities of human suffering, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.
As Visiting Fellow at SOAS, she will conduct research using the SOAS Library’s historical archives, unearthing the experiences of those who endured the horrors of slavery and their descendants, and seeking to honour their narratives.
Her research at SOAS will foster a renewed sense of empathy and empowering the world to confront the lasting impacts of slavery on contemporary societies.
Pictured above: Esther Phillips, first Poet Laureate of Barbados and Visiting Fellow at SOAS.
Esther’s presence at the university provides a unique opportunity for students, scholars, and the wider community to engage with her visionary work firsthand. Her workshops and lectures will inspire a new generation of poets and researchers, encouraging them to explore the intersections of history, literature, and social justice.
As the first Poet Laureate of Barbados, Esther exemplifies the abilities of art to shape our perception of the world. As a visiting fellow at SOAS, Esther embodies the institution's commitment to intellectual curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge that has a transformative impact on society. We look forward to sharing highlights of Esther’s work at SOAS in due course.
