John Bernard (poet)

John Bernard is a British poet, writer, and performer of East African heritage, known for his powerful and authentic approach to spoken word. Appointed Coventry Poet Laureate on 10 October 2023,..Bernard has established himself as a prominent voice in the UK poetry scene, particularly recognised for his work with young people and community engagement.
Bernard first gained national attention as a finalist in the BBC Words First competition in 2020, which propelled him into the spotlight and led to his collaboration with the renowned spoken word agency Apples and Snakes. His work is celebrated for its raw, impactful, and socially relevant themes, earning him the reputation of being "a voice for the youth."
Over the years, Bernard has performed at some of the UK’s most prestigious events and venues, including Shambala Festival, Formula 1 at Silverstone, BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend, and Symphony Hall, where he performed alongside the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His poetry has also reached national audiences through appearances on BBC Radio 3’s The Verb, BBC Radio 5 Live, and BBC 1Xtra
Bernard’s collaborations extend to major brands such as Formula 1, Flannels, Palm Angels, and EON, where he brings poetry into unexpected spaces, further broadening the reach and influence of his art
In addition to his performances, Bernard is deeply committed to community engagement. He works closely with schools, youth organisations, youth prisons, universities, and community groups to foster a passion for words and empower young people through creative expression. Through workshops and mentorship, he aims to inspire the next generation, encouraging them to find their voices and express their stories.
== Early Life and Career ==
Bernard began exploring creative expression at a young age, writing stories, poems, and raps from the age of six, inspired by his mother’s deep appreciation for creativity. Raised in the south side of Coventry, in Stoke Aldermoor, Bernard’s early life was marked by challenges, including the loss of his parents, which led him to spend time in foster care. Despite a tumultuous childhood, he found strength in storytelling and held on to his passion, using rap and poetry to communicate his experiences.
Bernard’s natural talent for expression and performance became evident as he began performing at school and venues across the Midlands. At 17, he was offered a recording contract by Sony Music, but he chose to turn it down, opting to focus on personal growth and further education. He attended Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School and later graduated with a BSc (Hons) in International Relations and Sociology from Aston University. During his final year at university, he began attending open mic events and performing his poems. His performances quickly gained attention, and he soon became a featured poet at Fire & Dust, a prominent poetry event in Coventry. There, he met Coventry poet Anthony Owen, who encouraged him to take his craft seriously, recognising his potential to make a meaningful impact through poetry.
Following this guidance, Bernard dedicated himself to honing his craft. In 2020, he became a finalist in the BBC Words First competition, a milestone that further propelled his career. He went on to release poetry films and music videos, collectively amassing over a quarter of a million views. His journey reached new heights in 2023, when he was appointed Coventry Poet Laureate, a role that allowed him to connect with the community on a deeper level.
Bernard now conducts creative writing workshops, was on the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour, and has performed with the BBC Symphony Orchestra at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. His dedication to youth empowerment is evident in his close work with schools, youth clubs, and youth prisons, where he provides mentorship to young creatives. Recently published by HarperCollins and featured in EON’s Go Green campaign, he continues to bring poetry into unexpected spaces.
A supporter of Coventry City Football Club, Bernard was also part of the club’s highest-grossing season ticket campaign, further cementing his connection with the Coventry community.
== Personal Life ==
Bernard is a supporter of Coventry City Football Club and a proud father of two. He has shared that fatherhood drives him to strive for excellence in all areas of his life, serving as a continual source of inspiration and purpose. Deeply committed to advocating for young people, Bernard founded and leads a social enterprise called B.A.C.E. (Be A Change Everywhere), which focuses on empowering youth through creativity and positive community engagement.
In addition to his advocacy work, he runs a writing group for young, aspiring writers and poets, offering mentorship and guidance to help them develop their voices and creative talents.
Category:British people
Category:Aston University alumni
Category:Poets
Category:Writers