Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire

Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire

Deb-Ra / Naz Knight- Poetry Champion of Bedfordshire, Word Mechanic, Energy Artist, Kemetyu Holistic Health Practitioner, CEO Of Queen's Award winning and Luton's longest serving community interest company NINE RED Presents... (CIC)(QAVS 2016) and a Human Being in a constant state of Evolving.
Bedfordshire's Poetry Together My Life In Words

Poetry Together

It's no secret that poetry has a magical power to connect hearts and souls. Gyles Brandreth, a man of letters and a keen poetry enthusiast, envisioned this power of togetherness through poetry. He initiated the Poetry Together project, and now, it's taking root across the country with the help of passionate Poetry Champions. One such champion is Debra Knight, Bedfordshire's very own Poetry Champion. An interdisciplinary artist, whose practice is comprised of the exploration of the contrasting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound, energy, emotion, frequency and movement to transform and connect people and spaces, using poetry that delivers messages across all levels of awareness.

Bedfordshire in Poetry

Join The Ballad – Bedfordshire in Poetry  In the lead-up to Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, honour John Bunyan’s legacy by contributing to the “Ballad of Bedfordshire.” Each day, we’ll share writing prompts encouraging the...
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Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

    Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight LL.B(Hons) In 2001, Debra/Nzinga Knight, CEO of NINE RED Presents (NRP)…(CIC), took her personal struggles and transformed them into a force for good. Coming from a place...
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Bedfordshire Together

Hey there, Bedfordshire!   I hope this message finds you well. As the Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, in collaboration with the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Susan Lousada, I want to introduce you to a project called...
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Books & Publications

  A Love Story To Luton (Because Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder.) Naz Knight was born, raised and made in Luton and is first-generation British-born Caribbean.  The Collateral Beauty Series launched on...
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Bedfordshire in Poetry

Join The Ballad – Bedfordshire in Poetry 

In the lead-up to Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, honour John Bunyan’s legacy by contributing to the “Ballad of Bedfordshire.” Each day, we’ll share writing prompts encouraging the community to submit 5, 10, or 15 words that capture their love for Bedfordshire.  Contributions will culminate in a collective poem performed by Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire Debra Knight and local poets at Wardown House Museum and Gallery. Submission deadline 18th November.

 

Terms and Conditions for Contributing to “The Ballad of Bedfordshire”

By submitting your contribution to “The Ballad of Bedfordshire,” you agree to the following terms and conditions:

  1. Eligibility: The campaign is open to all individuals who wish to contribute to the Ballad of Bedfordshire. Contributors must be residents or have a meaningful connection to Bedfordshire.
  2. Submission Guidelines:
    • – Contributions must adhere to the specified word limits: 5, 10, or 15 words, depending on the prompt.
    • All contributions should reflect original thoughts and expressions that celebrate Bedfordshire.
    • Submissions should not include any offensive, inappropriate, or defamatory content.
  1. Ownership and Rights:
    • By submitting your words, you grant the organisers of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” the right to use, publish, and promote your contribution in any medium, including social media, websites, and print materials, without further compensation or approval.
    •    Contributors retain ownership of their original words but acknowledge that their contributions will become part of a collective work.
    1. Deadline: All submissions must be received by 18th November 2024. Late entries will not be considered.
    2. Performance and Sharing: Selected contributions will be performed by local poets, including Poetry Champion Debra Knight, at the event on Bedfordshire Day, November 28th. Contributors agree to have their words included in this performance.
    3. Privacy: Personal information collected during the submission process will be used solely for the purpose of this campaign and will not be shared with third parties without consent.
    4. Modification and Cancellation: The organisers reserve the right to modify or cancel the campaign at any time without notice. Any changes will be communicated through our social media channels.
    5. Acceptance of Terms: Participation in the campaign indicates your acceptance of these terms and conditions. If you do not agree, please refrain from submitting your contribution.

    For any questions or concerns, please contact the campaign organisers via email femail@artundefined.co.uk

    Thank you for participating in “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” and for helping us celebrate our wonderful county!

    Bedfordshire in Poetry – Writing Prompts Day 1

    “What does Bedfordshire mean to you in 5 words?”

    🎉 We’re kicking off our countdown to Bedfordshire Day!  Share your 5-word tribute to Bedfordshire.  Let’s create a collaborative poem that celebrates our beautiful county!  #BalladOfBedfordshire

     

    Bedfordshire in Poetry – Writing Prompts Day 1

    “Describe your favourite place in Bedfordshire in 10 words.”

    🏞️ Tell us about your favourite spot in Bedfordshire in 10 words!  Your words will help shape our Ballad!  #BalladOfBedfordshire

     

    My Life In Words...

    Welcome to my world of words, where freedom takes shape on the blank canvas of a page. Writing is my sanctuary, my place of solitude where I define my boundaries and embrace the liberty to be unapologetically myself. It is within these lines that I craft an escape, inviting you to journey alongside me, seeking solace from the chaos of the world. Through my words, I do not evade my thoughts; instead, I confront them, seeking understanding and losing myself within the intricate tapestry of my mind.
    Girl In A Box

    Girl In A Box

    Girl in a Box A 2018 project to explore the contracting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound and movement to transform and connect people... Read My Mind "Girl In A Box"
    My Life In Words

    My Life In Words

      My Life In Words   In the realm of poetry, Debra Knight stands as a champion, her verses weaving together tales that resonate with... Read My Mind "My Life In Words"

    Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire

     

     

    Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight LL.B(Hons)

    In 2001, Debra/Nzinga Knight, CEO of NINE RED Presents (NRP)…(CIC), took her personal struggles and transformed them into a force for good. Coming from a place of social phobia, depression, and anxiety due to experiences with domestic and sexual violence, she found solace in the sanctuary of her home. She embraced the healing power of the arts, expressing her journey through poetry, spoken word, dance, and visual art, and in doing so, she touched the hearts of many. 

     

    As her popularity grew, others approached Debra, seeking her guidance in using art as a tool for healing. Thus, the philosophy of NINE RED Presents…(CIC) was born. Debra reminisces about the origin of Nine Red, a question posed to her after hearing her story of abuse, “What do you do after something like that happens?” With a smile, a laugh, and unshakeable resilience, she replied, “Get a job in a casino!”

     

    NINE RED Presents…(CIC) was born from a place of unity, a place where people of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, and nationalities not only worked together but played together. A place where fun and fellowship reigned.

     

    Debra Knight poetically described it as, “At the edge of a high street, by a bridge with a ball, there is a place on earth, where numbers fall…”

     

    Today, NINE RED Presents… (CIC) is a celebrated, Queen’s Award-winning community interest company. It’s a vibrant collective of artists who transform spaces and change people’s lives with their thought-provoking designs and art medicine.

     

    Debra is thrilled to be Bedfordshire’s Poetry Champion, promoting poetry not just as an art form but as a means to promote well-being and recovery from trauma.

     

    Bedfordshire Together

     

    “What do you do after something like that happens?” She replied, “Get a job in a casino!”

    “At the edge of a high street, by a bridge with a ball, there is a place on earth, where numbers fall. Within that space where fate resides, NINE RED Presents…(CIC), came alive.

    Naz Knight

    Upcoming Events

    12pm – 3pm

    Monday’s

    Poetry Together – Poetry Workshops

    Wardown House Museum & Gallery

    2pm & 4.30pm

     

    November 28th

    Bedfordshire Day – Ballad of Bedfordshire Recital. 

    Live  2pm – 4pm and online 4.30pm – 6.30pm

    I close my eyes and in my mind, I see whispers of colours and hear rainbows of sound.

    – Naz Knight

    Words Chose Me

    My creative practice “Words Chose Me” is forged through understanding the historically interconnected nature of medicine and the arts, by exploring and healing emotions through combining poetry therapy, creative craft and art therapy, and the movement therapy branches of expressive art therapies.

    I am an interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores the contrasting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, colour, sound, and movement to transform and connect people and spaces. I use poetry to deliver messages across all levels of awareness.

    The multidimensional nature of my approach is forged from my life experience as an INFJ empath with low-latent inhibition and a brain process whereby emotions, energy, light, projection, colour, sound and movement are all the same to me.

    Combining the ancient traditions with expressive arts of poetry, narrative psychology, and movement as therapy, my work emphasizes healing and is transformative for both people and space. It attempts to create feeling spaces and explore what it is to be human, going beyond superficial differences and artificial labels such as colour, race, religion, gender, age, ability, etc, instead focusing on compassion, empathy, appreciation and joy, from which healing naturally occurs.

     

    Bedfordshire Together

    Connect with me

     

    Contact Me

    femail@artundefined.co.uk

    whatsapp (text only): 07881 705 719

    artundefined.com

    Email Me

     

    My Life In Colour

    A captivating collection of poetry that vividly portrays the experiences of being a black female born in the vibrant town of Luton. Through her powerful verses, Naz delves into the rich diversity of Luton, where individuals from various backgrounds grew up together, painting the community in vibrant hues. The poems eloquently explore the legacy of mass migration, unfulfilled promises, and the enduring impact of historical discrimination, shedding light on the interconnected relationship between identity, heritage, and the human experience. The art celebrates the town's stories, memories and experiences.
    Girl In A Box

    Girl In A Box

    Girl in a Box A 2018 project to explore the contracting yet interconnected elements of light, projection, sound and movement to transform and connect people and spaces, using poetry that... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "Girl In A Box"
    Luton Celebrates….

    Luton Celebrates….

    Luton Celebrates... The "Luton Celebrates..." project ran from 2016 - 2018. The programme was a multifaceted initiative designed to honour and celebrate the rich history and cultural significance of Luton.... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "Luton Celebrates…."
    My Life In Colour

    My Life In Colour

    My Life In Colour A captivating snapshot of poetry, exhibitions, events and art that vividly portrays the experiences of being a black female born in the vibrant town of Luton.... Experience Kemetic (Black) Heritage "My Life In Colour"

    Bedfordshire Day

    Bedfordshire Day Recital

    As we approach Bedfordshire Day on November 28th, John Bunyan’s Birthday, we invite everyone to join us for the live broadcast of “The Ballad of Bedfordshire” from Wardown House Museum and Gallery.  This collaborative poem, crafted from contributions by our local community, will be performed by Poetry Champion for Bedfordshire, Debra Knight and local poets, for the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, and High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Mr Bav Shah.

    The event will take place in the Drawing Room of Wardown House, starting at 2 PM with the “Eve of Luton” digital showcase. This showcase celebrates the place in Bedfordshire where our Poetry Champion was born, raised, and developed her craft. You will have the opportunity to get to know poet Debra Knight and learn about Poetry Together’s collaborative projects.

     

     

    Day Event 2pm-4pm

    Join us online or in person for a special celebration of Bedfordshire hosted by Gyles Brandreth’s Poetry Champion, Debra Knight.

    The Live Stream from 4.30PM

    The Bedfordshire Day Recital will be broadcast online from 4:30 PM. During

     this recital, the debut poem, “The Ballad of Bedfordshire,” created with selected contributions from the people of Bedfordshire, will be performed in the beautiful setting of Wardown House, Museum, and Gallery.

    Join Us

    The event is free to join and open to the public from 2 PM to 4 PM, and online from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there!

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