Grace Nichols facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Grace Nichols
FRSL
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Nichols at the British Library in 2022
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| Born | 1950 (age 74–75) |
| Occupation | Poet, teacher, journalist |
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Notable work
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I is a Long-Memoried Woman (1983); Sunris (1996) |
| Spouse(s) | John Agard |
| Awards | Commonwealth Poetry Prize, 1983; Guyana Poetry Prize, 1996; Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry, 2021 |
Grace Nichols is a famous Guyanese poet born in 1950. She moved to Britain in 1977. Before becoming a full-time poet, she worked as a teacher and journalist in Guyana. Her first collection of poems, I is a Long-Memoried Woman (1983), won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize. In 2021, she received the special Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry.
Contents
Grace Nichols' Early Life
Grace Nichols was born in Georgetown, Guyana. She spent her early childhood in a small village on the coast. When she was eight years old, her family moved to the city. She studied Communications at the University of Guyana.
After her studies, Grace worked as a teacher from 1967 to 1970. She also worked as a journalist and in government information services. In 1977, she moved to the United Kingdom. Her poetry often uses rhythms and culture from the Caribbean. It is also influenced by Guyanese and Amerindian folklore.
Her Amazing Poetry Career
Grace Nichols' first book of poems, I is a Long-Memoried Woman, won the 1983 Commonwealth Poetry Prize. This book was so popular that it was made into a film. The film won a gold medal at a festival in New York. The book was also turned into a radio play for the BBC.
In 1986, she published a novel for adults called Whole of a Morning Sky. Her work was also included in a famous collection of writings called Daughters of Africa in 1992. This collection was put together by Margaret Busby.
More Books and Poems
Grace Nichols has written many more poetry books. In 2006, she released Startling the Flying Fish. This book included new poems and some of her best older ones. She has also written books for children, including short stories and poetry collections.
Many students in the UK study her poems. Her work is part of the English and English Literature courses for IGCSE exams. These exams are set by groups like AQA, WJEC, and Edexcel.
Poetry Competition for Schools
In 2011, Grace Nichols helped judge a new poetry competition. It was called "Anthologise" and was for school students. The Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy, started this competition. Students aged 11 to 18 from across the UK could create their own poetry collections.
The first winners were students from Monkton Combe School in Bath. Their winning collection was titled The Poetry of Earth is Never Dead.
Awards and Recognition
Grace Nichols has received many awards for her poetry. She won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize in 1983 for I is a Long Memoried Woman. Her poems are also studied in many GCSE courses.
In 2021, she received the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry. This award was given for all her amazing work over the years. A special committee, led by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, chose her for this honor.
Personal Life
Grace Nichols lives in Lewes, East Sussex, England. She lives with her partner, who is also a Guyanese poet, John Agard.
Awards
- 1983: Commonwealth Poetry Prize (for I is a Long Memoried Woman)
- 1986: Arts Council Writers' Award
- 1996: Guyana Poetry Prize (for Sunris)
- 2000: Cholmondeley Award
- 2007: Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature
- 2008: Guyana Poetry Award Never live unloved
- 2021: Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry
See also
In Spanish: Grace Nichols para niños
