Lawrence Hoo is a poet and educator based in Bristol. His work is known for throwing a powerful light onto the overlooked experiences of those living in Bristol’s under supported communities. It also evokes the inspiring, under celebrated histories which are the inheritance of Bristol’s immigrant communities. After a youth spent in and out of the care system, Lawrence developed an uncompromising poetic voice, and a calling for working with people from disadvantaged backgrounds, whose experiences he had lived himself. Through his own company Inner City Tales, Lawrence has published three poetry collections: Inner City Tales (2006), Hoostory (2011), CARGO (2019), and exhibited across Bristol including at Centrespace Gallery, Wilder Street Art Gallery, and The Station. In 2016 Lawrence was invited to be Ujima radio’s poet in residence and in 2018 Lawrence was awarded a MTM Award for services to Music, Arts and Culture and a RISE Award for services to Community, Arts and Entertainment. Lawrence is currently a member of the University of Bristol’s Diversity Advisory Board. As a public speaker Lawrence urges for social justice in Bristol and agitates for positive change.
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