Spoken Word/Poetry | Faces of Scarborough
“My work is rooted in the belief that our pain is our power, and our beauty is our story. I am inspired by the silent heroes who shape our communities every day and by young women navigating the intersections of identity, culture, and belonging. Through poetry, I strive to create the representation, reflection, and possibility I once searched for myself.”
Shahaddah Jack is a bilingual spoken word poet, recording artist, human rights activist, and emerging cultural leader from Tkaronto (Toronto). Rooted in her diverse heritage, her work explores anti-Black racism, mental health, environmental justice, and community safety, using art as a tool for dialogue and social change.
As Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah has brought poetry into civic, national, and international spaces. She has performed on more than 100 stages, including TIFF, Hot Docs Cinema, the Meridian Arts Centre, and History. Her work has been featured on national and international stages, including the United Nations, where she addressed global leaders and advocates through the power of poetry and youth leadership.
Beyond the stage, Shahaddah has advocated for youth employment, mental health supports, and investment in youth-serving organizations. Recognized as BGC Canada’s 2022 National Youth of the Year and one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, she continues to use storytelling, performance, and advocacy to inspire change and empower communities.