It is an amazing time of the year to be hosting this interview between Hannah Stanislaus and I.
Hannah in recent times has taken measures to enhance the retention of true poetry from actual artists. And not people who write simply because they are bored— around London she also hosts her spoken word event and has served as a fellow in Churchill Fellowship. Hannah also has a forthcoming documentary with poetry in America to be released 2026.
The interview session between Hannah and I, opens the floor for other poets to read meanings in the truth Hannah carries in her heart.
Interview begins:
Joshua: How has the growth and diversity in London influenced your poetry?
Hannah: I am able to see and write about the relevant modern experiences of life in London in 2024 and that helped me to set up Lost Souls poetry open mic.
Joshua: What inspires and drives your passion for writing poetry?
Hannah: Everyday life. Poetry is a form of therapy for what I see,hear and think about day-to-day life.
Joshua: Aside from writing, what other creative outlets or activities do you engage in?
Hannah: Art is another creative outlet for me and it helps me express things when I have no words but just my soul.
Joshua: How do you perceive the poetry industry in the UK, especially in terms of diversity and inclusivity?
Hannah: I believe that there’s a lot of work to be done.
Joshua: Are there particular organizations or communities you would like to collaborate with to promote poetry within the BPOC community?
Hannah: I would like to work with anyone who would collaboratewith me.
Joshua: Could you share how your cultural background influences your poetic themes and style?
Hannah: My poetic themes cover my cultural background with exploration. I like playing with words to reflect my Blackness.
Joshua: In what ways do you think poetry can be a tool for social change and empowerment?
Hannah: Poetry is powerful and when you put that power into thehands of people who are not empowered, that’s where poetry can make a real change.
Joshua: How do you navigate the intersectionality of your identity within your poetry?
Hannah: Poetry helps me to express my diversity. I am Black. I am a lesbian. I am a mother. I have disabilities. I am an ex-local politician. I am Hannah.
Joshua: Have you faced any challenges as a BPOC poet, and how have you overcome them?
Hannah: I have faced many challenges and the bottle neck ends with a cork in it. I was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and I now have letters after my name. That is how I have overcome, never giving up.
Joshua: What advice would you give to aspiring poets from diverse backgrounds?
Hannah: DO NOT GIVE UP and find your tribe.
Joshua: How do you see the role of poetry evolving in the modern digital age?
Hannah: I see poetry lost if we let AI write poems.
Joshua: Can you discuss any specific poems that reflect your experiences as a BPOC poet in the UK?
Hannah: I authored the poem ‘Extremely Aggressive, Uneducated and Rough’ that was what I was called on social media.
Joshua: How do you balance preserving cultural heritage in your poetry while also pushing boundaries and innovating?
Hannah: I call out racism and educate the racists as to who we are, not what they think we are.
Joshua: Have you noticed any emerging trends or themes within the BPOC poetry community in the UK?
Hannah: Poetry slams are up and coming, in comparison to the original birthplace the USA where poetry slams are 200+ people in a room.
Joshua: How do you approach collaborations with other artists or poets to create interdisciplinary work?
Hannah: I created a concept show ‘In Disguise’ where poetsalongside singer/songwriters and artists performed in a disguise that is different from who they are off stage. It was a sold-out show at the Wandsworth Arts Fringe 2022.
Joshua: What impact do you hope your poetry will have on readers, particularly those from similar backgrounds?
Hannah: I hope they find the strength and courage to find their own voice.
Joshua: How do you use your platform as a poet to advocate for social justice and equality?
Hannah: I stand up for what I believe in and I do not conform to what people what to hear. Discrimination of all types needs to be called out.
Joshua: What role do you think mentorship plays in nurturing the next generation of BPOC poets?
Hannah: Mentorship only works if there is no ego in the process.
Joshua: How do you engage with your audience and community through your poetry?
Hannah: Lost Souls poetry is across South London and we get over 100 people attending across 3 nights every month.
Joshua: Are there any specific messages or emotions you aim to convey through your poetic work?
Hannah: Life is going to happen. No matter what we go through, we will get through it together. No one should ever feel alone.
Joshua: What upcoming projects or events are you excited about, and do you have a forthcoming anthology in the works?
Hannah: I am working on some things that I cannot talk about, watch this space!
Joshua: Lastly, how do you envision the future of poetry for BPOC voices in the UK?
Hannah: We will no longer be silenced when we speak loud and they call us angry Black people.
