LEMN Sissay has teamed up with Manchester City. City recently unveiled The Stadium Speaks, a compelling short film featuring the acclaimed writer and broadcaster.
At the heart of the film is a moving poem that spotlights the stories and legacies of the influential black figures who have shaped the Club’s history.
Lemn chats with The Voice newspaper on his very special birthday
Commissioned as part of the Club’s Black History Month celebrations, the poem reflects Manchester City’s journey from Maine Road to the Etihad Stadium, forming part of the Club’s wider Black History Month programme.
Narrated by Lemn himself, the poem features contributions from current and former players, staff, academy members, and supporters, including:
The first time I came to this city was to see City
The first Black player to represent Manchester City, Stan Horne
Former players Nedum Onuoha, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Steph Houghton, Shaun Goater and Paul Dickov
City Matters’ Black and Mixed Heritage representative, Jahmal Williams-Thomas
The Official Supporters Club’s Equality and Inclusion Lead, Bing Findlater
City fans and staff from across the Club
As the former Chancellor of the University of Manchester, Lemn’s writing has been celebrated worldwide for its cultural resonance. He was awarded an MBE for services to literature and later appointed an OBE, with notable works including Gold from the Stone and his bestselling memoir My Name Is Why.
Lemn said: “Manchester felt like home to me, the moment I stepped foot across the boundary. I came here very early on, when I think I was 13, I came to see Manchester City play. The first time I came to this city was to see City.
“I want the poem to be owned by the person who’s in the stand watching the game. And I wanted the poem to be to be owned by the person on the pitch who’s playing it. And I want them to feel proud reading it.”
The film is now available to view across Manchester City’s official digital channels.
www.mancity.com