SOCIAL
ACTION
To support our priorities and move us closer to racial justice, we deliver social action campaigns ‘Protest Poetry’ that raise public awareness, influence change and inspire action. You can find our campaigns below:
Brixton to
the World
We are proud to take our work from Brixton to the world, supporting young people on a global scale. The challenges they face, from poverty and racism to mental health struggles are universal, and our work focuses on addressing these issues through joy, connection, and empowerment. By building relationships with communities around the world, we share experiences, learn from others, and strengthen collective resilience while fostering global solidarity and meaningful partnerships that help our organisation grow. So far, we have travelled to New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Canada, providing the young people we support in London with life-changing opportunities to travel, exchange knowledge, broaden their horizons, and realise that their voices have the power to create change anywhere in the world.
No Cost in Giving
In 2021, we surveyed 400 young Black people from our community and found that 91% couldn't afford to attend the theatre or cultural activities due to the cost-of-living crisis. In response, we launched the No Cost in Giving programme, partnering with theatres and cultural institutions across London to provide free tickets for young Black people. To date, we have provided over 1,000 free tickets, opening doors to theatre, cinema, and cultural experiences. To join this programme, click here:
Poetic Unity helped me with my creativity, confidence, social skills and assisted me with my goals of supporting local communities.
Giving Blood
in Unity
Poetic Unity, in partnership with ACLT, launched the Giving Blood in Unity project in 2024 to inspire more young Black people to become blood donors and raise awareness of sickle cell disorder. Currently, only 2% of blood donors in the UK are of Black heritage, despite the vital need for ethnically matched blood donations. The project included educational workshops that helped young people learn more about sickle cell, as well as the creation of two spoken word films exploring its impact, which were screened at the Ritzy Cinema. The initiative culminated in a blood drive at the Brixton Blood Donor Centre, where 30 young Black people donated blood, many for the first time. If you’re interested in giving blood, follow us on Instagram @PoeticUnity for updates on our next drive.
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Continental Corruption
Continental Corruption campaign was created to shed light on the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and give a voice to those affected. The DRC is home to some of the world's largest reserves of cobalt, coltan, and other minerals that are essential to technologies such as electric vehicles, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Despite its vast natural wealth, decades of conflict involving armed groups, foreign forces, and competing interests over mineral-rich land have contributed to immense human suffering. Since 1996, an estimated six million people have been killed and millions more displaced, particularly in eastern DRC. Through poetry and storytelling, Continental Corruption explores the links between global consumption, exploitation, and international complicity, while calling for justice, accountability and lasting peace for the Congolese people.
Transport for London Takeover
For World Poetry Day 2024, Poetic Unity partnered with Transport for London (TfL) to provide a platform for 10 young poets to share original poems exploring the theme of community. Their work was broadcast through sound systems at Brixton and Stockwell Underground stations and featured on posters displayed across London, including at London Bridge, Waterloo, Victoria, Brixton, and Stockwell stations, reaching thousands of commuters. The project celebrated the power of poetry to bring people together and amplify young voices.
Clean Air
For The Ends
The Clean Air for the Ends campaign brought together 150 young Black people to ride in solidarity through London as part of a fun and empowering cycle protest, raising awareness of the impact of air pollution on Black and global majority communities. Supported by Forest Bikes in partnership with Live + Breathe, the campaign has successfully engaged Southwark Council, been presented to Parliament in partnership with Asthma & Lung UK and received support from the Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, Mete Coban. Through this work, we continue to advocate for cleaner air and healthier communities while empowering young people to drive meaningful change.
To find out more about our programmes, email us at Info@poeticunity.org.uk