A series of lectures exploring the rich canon of Black poets in Africa, the Caribbean, the UK and USA.

After a successful pilot in 2023, Arvon is excited to be partnering with Obsidian to co-host The Black Poetry Lectures 2026. Fortnightly in June, July, September and October 2026, four award-winning poets will explore four distinct areas of the Black poetry canon, looking at Black writers past and present from Africa, the US, the Caribbean and the UK.

Join us for a deep dive into the Black poetry canon, equipping you to explore what a decolonised poetry canon might look like and future-proofing the names of Black poets at risk of being forgotten. Each session is £10 with half-price concessions and fully funded places available. The series is not-for-profit and open to all. If you’re able, we encourage you to pay it forward by paying the full price. All proceeds will go directly towards a bursary for Black writers to attend an Arvon course in 2027, supporting the next generation of voices and ensuring this work continues beyond the lectures.

The Black Poetry Lectures:

• 75 mins duration

• A lecture/talk series on 2-3 Black poets from a region as an online talk, followed by a Q&A

• Each tutor will lead two lectures on a specific region (Africa, America, Caribbean and UK)

• Thursday lunchtimes 1.3.00-14.00 BST, followed by 15 min Q&A

• Recordings will be available to watch afterwards if you aren’t able to attend live

• Session 1 - 25 June 2026: American poetry with Roger Robinson
• Session 2 - 9 July 2025: Poetry of the UK & Europe with Victoria Adukwei Bulley
• Session 3 - 23 July 2026: Caribbean poetry with Lorna Goodison
• Session 4 - 6 August 2026: African poetry with Ama Asantewa Diaka