Rhyme, Resilience, and Reclaiming the Narrative
This Black History Month, the theme is ‘Honouring Our Communities’, honouring the contributions of black people to Britain’s past, present and future, recognising those individuals whose everyday contributions shape, support, and sustain black life across the UK.
This month, I’m honouring Nelissa Mendy, a vital voice in contemporary British poetry, weaving rhythmic oral traditions with sharp social activism. As a celebrated London-based spoken word artist, Nelissa carries forward a rich legacy of Black British artistry. Known for her commanding presence on stages like the Mayor of London’s Black On The Square festival at Trafalgar Square, the V&A, and the Tate, her work effortlessly bridges traditional dub poetry and contemporary spoken word. Her signature rhythm and accessible, punchy rhyme make her deep political commentary feel urgent, melodic, and deeply human.
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| L-R Nelissa Mendy, Me, Patricia Foster, Brown Eyes Launch (2005) |
I first met Nelissa at the launch of Brown Eyes (2005), my first anthology of poetry and personal essays by Black and mixed-heritage women, funded by an Arts Council England Grants for the Arts award. Nelissa had contributed two poems: ‘Glad to be Me’ and ‘African Roots.’
Contextualising Nelissa Mendy in the Black British Poetry Scene
To truly understand Nelissa’s placement in the modern landscape, one must look at her artistic lineage. She stands firmly in the lineage of pioneers like Linton Kwesi Johnson and the late, great Benjamin Zephaniah (to whom she wrote a powerful tribute in December 2023). Like these giants, Nelissa views the microphone as a tool for public justice.
In the wider contemporary Black British poetry scene — alongside contemporaries like George the Poet or Anthony Anaxagorou — Nelissa balances systemic critique with community-centric healing. Her poetry functions not just as art, but as a living archive of urban British history, giving words to communities experiencing profound grief and political neglect.
The Fight for Grenfell: ‘Out of Site is Never Out of Mind’
A core pillar of Nelissa’s activism is her unyielding dedication to the victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower tragedy on 14 June 2017, a disaster that claimed members of her own family, Khadijya Saye and her mother, Mary Mendy. Working closely with advocacy networks, her poem serves as a stinging critique of empty bureaucracy with staggering clarity:
No straight line, only broken dreams, broken promises …
Being passed along a chain …
Only to find ourselves, in the same place again …
No clear answers … Hope is on the ropes.
This piece demands that the public refuse to let corporate and political structures brush the tragedy aside. For a deeper audio-visual dive into her ongoing tribute, you can watch her poignant reflections below on YouTube in ‘Grenfell Tower 9 Years On.’
Deep Dive Review: Write Things (Published March 2026)
Published by Write4Life, Nellisa's recent poetry collection, Write Things, is an extraordinary, intimate 32-page triumph.
I love a book launch! And Nelissa's was exceptional. Held on the evening of 17 April 2026 at Abbey Community Centre in north-west London, we were in for a treat, with family and friends gathering to celebrate Write Things with a bunch of readings, guest speakers, and a chance to mingle with the star herself. Check out her Instagram post for more insight.
The Verdict: ★★★★★
Nelissa’s brilliance lies in her restraint. She uses simple, universal language and structural rhyme schemes to embed deeply complex traumatic realities. It is a vital text for anyone trying to understand the emotional temperature of modern working-class London.
What truly elevates Write Things is the exquisite integration of her own photography, which breathes vibrant, visual life into the written word. Rather than serving as mere background decoration, Nelissa's beautiful photographs act as a vital extension of the text itself, mirroring the mood and emotional cadence of her work. Every image is thoughtfully captured and placed, casting a unique light on the prose and inviting the reader to pause, reflect, and see the world through her lens. This seamless interplay between evocative imagery and poignant poetry transforms the reading experience into a stunning, multi-sensory journey that lingers long after the final page is turned.
From Student to Supporter: St Marylebone C of E School Library Fundraiser
Nelissa’s dedication to community loops beautifully back to her roots. In a touching full-circle moment, she recently lent her voice to support the library fundraising efforts at her childhood alma mater, St Marylebone C of E School.
Watching her perform in the library space where she once sat as a child is a profound reminder of why representation matters in literature. You can view the full, moving performance below:
Watch: Poet Nelissa Mendy at St Marylebone C of E School Library:
How are you celebrating Black History Month 2026 on your bookshelves? Have you read Write Things yet? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
