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Presentation address by Professor Ben Walmsley

Chancellor,    

Khadijah Ibrahiim is a literary activist, theatre maker and writer, who has dedicated her career to promoting the arts and empowering young people through creative expression. Khadijah is the founder and artistic director of Leeds Young Authors, an organisation that nurtures the talents of young writers and poets. Through creative writing workshops, Khadijah’s charity develops young talent and promotes the benefits of good writing. It provides a creative platform for young voices to be heard, fostering a sense of community and belonging, particularly in underrepresented communities.

Khadijah was born in Leeds to Jamaican parents. She is a proud graduate of the 映客直播, holding a BA (Hons) in Arabic Language and Literature, and an MA in Theatre Studies. Khadijah’s poetry often explores themes of identity, heritage and social justice, and it has been published in various anthologies and journals. The BBC has hailed Khadijah as one of Yorkshire's most prolific poets, and she has toured her work internationally, sharing her work in the USA, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. 

Khadijah is an outstanding ambassador for the people of Leeds and Yorkshire, involving herself in important local causes and supporting the arts across the city. She has also been instrumental in supporting culture across the 映客直播, playing a pivotal part as Artist in Residence in the delivery of Africa Week in 2024 and in the Light Night collaboration between Leeds West Indian Carnival and the School of Mechanical Engineering that same year. Khadijah is a valued member of the Cultural Institute’s Steering Group, where she represents freelance artists and communities. 

And as the Director of our Cultural Institute put it: “A room is always better with Khadijah in it. With fierce intelligence and creativity, she energises through her presence, performance, and ideas. She builds community; shares her talent and ideas generously, and invests in young people selflessly and with passion for a better world.”

In the words of Nick Barley, Director of the National Poetry Centre: "Khadijah is that rare thing: a writer who has energised poetry at a local level while also enjoying widespread international acclaim. In countless conversations with people from across the world, poets and literary organisers have told us that Khadijah's work has been an inspiration."  

As testament to her glittering career to date, Khadijah has been honoured with several awards, including the Leeds Black Award (2011) for outstanding contribution to the arts, and the Leeds Legacy Award (2020) for international impact. In 2024 she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Khadijah is a genuine role model and an inspiration to us all. And she is proof that although gender, class and ethnic barriers still exist in the arts and across society, they can be torn down and new paths carved out for others to follow.

Chancellor, I am proud to present to you for the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, Khadijah Ibrahiim.