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Nadine Williams, Poet, Speaker, Author, Commemorative Artist
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    Gallery

    Unveilings, ceremonies,
    classrooms, galleries.

    Select any image to enlarge it.

    Gallery

    The Fabric of Our Being, Canada quilt
    The Fabric of Our Being
    Student quilt in a school corridor
    The student quilt
    Nadine Williams with Michelle Obama
    Economic Club of Canada
    Nadine Williams reading from Pen on Fyah
    Reading, Pen on Fyah
    Apology Accepted plaque
    Apology Accepted
    Nadine Williams event photograph 1
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    Poster editions

    Poetry made to hang on a wall

    More than thirty volumes written for Black History Month, issued as framed poster editions for classrooms, lobbies and boardrooms.

    Shop poster editions

    01

    High Rise

    Celebrating Black futures. Now held at RESCON.

    02

    The Immigrant Child

    A conversation across time about identity, value and aspiration.

    03

    Rooted

    On belonging, and what holds when the ground shifts.

    04

    Us Women

    Written in celebration of women.

    05

    Viola’s Ten

    A tribute to the legacy of Viola Desmond.

    06

    Black Brilliance

    A celebration of Black achievement and possibility.

    07

    Motion

    Poster edition.

    08

    Immigrant Trilogy

    Three movements on arrival, labour and belonging.

    09

    Jubilation in the Nation

    A celebration piece for national commemoration.

    10

    No. 2 Construction Battalion

    Honouring Canada’s first and only all-Black battalion.

    11

    The Fabric of Our Being

    The poster edition of the textile and poetry installation.

    Also available: A Mi Dis, Pride in My Stride, End to N, Us Africans, Palm to Pine and Flourishing.

    Poster edition 1
    Poster edition 2
    Poster edition 3
    Poster edition 4
    Poster edition 5
    Poster edition 6
    Poster edition 7
    Poster edition 8
    Poster edition 9
    Poster edition 10
    Poster edition 11
    Poster edition 12
    Poster edition 13
    Poster edition 14
    Poster edition 15

    Media

    Watch, listen, and download

    Recorded performances, press coverage, speaking topics and everything a producer or programme office needs to introduce her.

    The Immigrant Child

    Poem · Full reading · Watch on YouTube

    The Immigrant Child

    Spoken word · Watch on YouTube

    Short film

    YouTube Shorts · Watch on YouTube

    Short film

    YouTube Shorts · Watch on YouTube

    Press kit

    Nadine Williams

    Nadine Williams is a Jamaican-Canadian poet, author, cultural advocate and commemorative artist, dedicated to celebrating Black heritage and amplifying marginalized voices. She has published seven books, four poetry collections and three for children, and over thirty Black History Month posters widely used in Canadian schools.

    As a sought-after speaker, she has opened for global icons including Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of The United States of America; The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, 27th Governor General of Canada; Hon. Justin Trudeau, Former Prime Minister of Canada; and Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica.

    She is currently the Poet in Residence for The Caribbean Consular Corps, and works extensively in Canadian schools as an Artist in Education and with all levels of government as a sought after speaker, performer and host. She has been invited to guest lecture at The University of Vienna, Austria; York University; University of Toronto; and Toronto Metropolitan University, has been a guest speaker at McMaster University, has been cited in a doctoral thesis, and has been published in the academic journal Multicultural Perspectives through Central Connecticut State University.

    Her multifaceted work reflects her unwavering commitment to researching, preserving, and sharing the histories of Black Canadians, making her a vital voice in the field. Her acclaimed art installations include spotlighting the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent and, recently, the churches’ apologies for their historical roles in slavery.

    Nadine inspires communities through her art, advocacy, and commitment to preserving Black history.

    Awards: 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women · Women Who Inspires Change · Top 25 Canadian Immigrants · York Regional Police Deeds Speak · Citizenship and Immigration Canada Volunteers · Parliamentary Shout Out for contributions to Black History

    Sample presentations

    Signature session · Ideal for commemorative days

    The Power of Cultural Recognition and Historical Advocacy

    Well-being begins with feeling recognized, valued, and understood. Experiences of identity, culture, history, and belonging profoundly influence how we navigate challenges and build resilience. Through the power of storytelling, poetry, and cultural reflection, Nadine Williams explores how acknowledging our experiences can foster healing, resilience, and connection.

    The session examines the importance of naming the challenges that impact Black mental health while celebrating the strength, contributions, and lived experiences of Black communities in Canada. Participants gain insight into how culture, community, and self-expression support individual and collective well-being, inspire meaningful dialogue, and help create more inclusive and psychologically safe environments.

    Frequently programmed for Emancipation Day, observed annually on the first of August to commemorate the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1834. Available as an English session with simultaneous interpretation in French.

    Content note: the material includes experiences that some participants may find upsetting. Support resources are agreed with the host organization ahead of each session.

    Intentionally Winning: Insights for Mentors and Mentees

    Using storytelling to drive home salient points, this keynote is designed to shift perceptions using real life, tried and true experiences over eighteen years.

    Creative Expressions for Well-Being

    Through the art of storytelling and poetry, Nadine shares lived experiences and how pursuing creative expression has fostered well-being in her own life. Participants are encouraged to unearth their own creative expressions and use them to foster their well-being, with a chance to share in interactive sessions.

    Black History, Black Identity, Black Joy and Black Excellence

    Honouring our history, celebrating who we are as Black people, highlighting the joys in our lived experiences, and celebrating while demystifying Black excellence.

    Celebrating The Courage of Black Women, Then and Now

    Looking at the experiences of historical Black women as well as Black entrepreneurs and creatives. Delivered in age appropriate interactive sessions using storytelling, poetry, songs, drums and dance.

    End to N

    A presentation based on her 2024 Black History Month poem of the same name, encouraging an end to the N word by looking at the history and evolution of the word.

    Power in the Pour, A Wellness Deep Dive

    You may think you are running on empty. Trust your gut. Tilt your cup. Then pour. You will, not might, surprise yourself.

    A motivational talk with storytelling based on lived experiences.

    Offered in person, hybrid, or virtual with normal technical requirements.

    Selected press and broadcast

    • The Globe and MailGovernment commemorates four significant Black historical events
    • Parks CanadaCelebrations of Emancipation Day, national designation
    • NewswireGovernment of Canada honours innovative Black athlete with historic designation
    • CBC RadioThe Fabric of Our Being, a new art installation to celebrate
    • Winnipeg Free PressSpeaking words of wisdom
    • The Hamilton SpectatorWilliams co-creates Fabric of Our Being quilt with Milton youth
    • Niagara CollegeThe Fabric of Our Being: NC’s Black community unveil quilt celebrating identity
    • CKNews TodayLocals can help create community quilt honouring Black History Month
    • EIN PresswireCanadian artist launches Apology Accepted following historic gathering of faith, civic and community leaders
    • The Caribbean CameraNadine Williams’ art tells the story of Black contributions to Canada
    • OrilliaMattersCeremony at Oro African Church marks 200 years of freedom and farming
    • The VarsityMichelle Obama speaks on girls’ and women’s rights at Plan International Canada event
    • Bruce County MuseumSouthampton Arts Festival
    • Toronto Port AuthorityCommunity investment
    • York Catholic District School BoardBlack history features
    • ByBlacksAuthor archive
    • Angles CoveredNadine Williams opens doors
    • Video featureNadine Williams in conversation
    • Video featureNadine Williams, recorded performance

    Speaker one sheet

    Topics, formats, audience fit and technical requirements for programmers. Available on request.

    High resolution headshots

    Print and web resolution portraits for programmes and listings. Download the ZIP.

    Booking

    Commissions, keynotes, ceremonies and school residencies.

    Media inquiries

    Interview requests, review copies and permission to reproduce a poem.

    Nadine Williams, Poet, Speaker, Author, Commemorative Artist
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