In April of 2021, Ontario legislature appointed orator, performer, artist, and Scarborough native, Randell Adjei, as the first Poet Laureate of Ontario. Growing out of a childhood of adversity, Adjei immersed himself into the world of expressive writing and spoken-word poetry, and was driven to  motivate others towards the enlightening liberation of art in all of its forms.

As the founder of the R.I.S.E. (Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere) initiative, Adjei extends the limitless power of poetry, dance, music, and expressive art to Ontario’s youth. His approach to poetry is to break free of learned convention and emphasize the healing benefits of connection and vulnerability, while nurturing a safe space for communities to embrace artistic expression.

In a Zoom call from his home in Toronto, sat in front of an enviable collection of books, Adjei speaks out on accessibility to the arts, the importance of representation for young Black artists, and the courage it takes to create authentic poetry.