Let my passion for writing work for you.
Testimonials
Bandit Queen Press Zine Workshop
“It was such a joy to attend Lesley-Ann’s zine making workshop last year at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. In just one week we learned about restorative justice through the lens of Trinbagonian activist Gillian Goddard and her chocolate project. We had such informative and inspiring conversations about crops, trade routes, colonialism, belonging, ingredients and so much more. Together we made a beautiful and poetic zine, which left me with a feeling of hope and excitement for the future. On the last day Lesley-Ann cooked us a lovely meal. She is a great teacher, warm and sincere, and so full of wisdom to share.” Sabitha Söderholm, poet, artist and writer
Public Speaking & keynote address
I have the honour of having Lesley Ann as a keynote speaker, teacher and panel member for the past 5 years.
Hundreds of my students, colleagues and guests from across the globe have benefited from her rich and unique hybrid knowledge and deep understanding of the contexts in the Caribean, USA, Africa, Europe, Scandinavia and, Denmark in particular.
Lesley Ann speaks, teaches and writes about and comments on pressing cross-cutting global issues of our time: the power of culture and the narratives, stories, role of education, race relations and identity, gender, human rights, youth, etc. Literature, poetry and the spoken word and her pen are the powerful tools she deploys in her educational work.
Thus, if you need someone to speak, write and teach about any of the above topics, Lesley Ann is the expert to consider. If you need someone to help educate for what the world needs most today and in the future: education for global citizenship, Lesley Ann is the one I would recommend
Garba Diallo, Director of Crossing Borders
Bandit Queen Press Zine Workshop
I had my first publishing experience in a dusty office in the West Village along with a group of other high school activists. Together we made a zine – and I’ll never forget how empowered I felt from this simple act of making a publication by any means necessary! This experience underscored the fact that to publish is to make public.
My Bandit Queen Press Zine Workshop brings this experience to students all over the world. Making a zine is a great way to take a deep dive into any subject you and your students/colleagues are looking into. So far we’ve created zines around the themes of motherhood, healing and even food sovereignty.
Bandit Queen Press has worked with students from Prescott College, The Royal Danish Art Academy and UniArts in Finland to name a few. Your BQP Zine workshop will be tailored to your needs!
Public speaking & keynote address
Throughout the years, I have had the honor of being invited to speak for a wide variety of events – from the Women’s March in Copenhagen in 2017 where I was national spokeswoman and emcee for one of the largest turnouts globally, to the Royal Swedish Arts Academy, Royal Danish Arts Academy and NYU among others. I also gave a TEDx Talk in 2018 “Country: A Roadmap to Liberation“. I will tailor my talk around themes that matter to you: from the impact of colonialism to the healing power of nature; belonging, the importance of self-forgiveness, migrations and the transformative power of shame.
Content
In a writing career that has spanned over twenty years, I have created content for a diverse range of platforms – from NBCBLK to have been commissioned to write poems for artists such as Jeannette Ehlers and Julienne Doko’s historical dance performance “W.O.M.B.” In 2018 I had an opportunity to work as a ghostwriter on Ben Crump’s award-winning 2019 book “Open Season.” Aside from my groundbreaking 2005 blog “Blackgirl on Mars” and two published books, one of which was recently nominated for “The Purple Prize,” – I have a solid track record of creating content that works.
Editing & Translation
With a publishing background that spans over twenty years – I have edited fiction and nonfiction manuscripts to academic papers. I also translate from Danish to English. Please feel free to contact me for more information.