Bertrand Bickersteth Explained

Bertrand Bickersteth is a Canadian poet.^[1] His debut collection, The Response of Weeds, was published in 2020 and won the Gerald Lampert Award from the League of Canadian Poets in 2021.^[2]

From Calgary, Alberta,^[3] he is a communication instructor at Olds College.^[4] In addition to his poetry, he has also published academic work on Black Canadian culture, including the history of Black Canadian settlement in Western Canada and critical analysis of the work of Wayde Compton and Canisia Lubrin.

The Response of Weeds was also shortlisted for the Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry and the City of Calgary W. O. Mitchell Book Prize at the 2021 Alberta Literary Awards.^[5]

Notes and References

1. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/full-episode-nov-7-2020-1.5787880/bertrand-bickersteth-s-the-response-of-weeds-poetically-explores-the-black-canadian-experience-in-full-bloom-1.5787886 "Bertrand Bickersteth's The Response of Weeds poetically explores the Black Canadian experience in full bloom"
2. Charlie Smith, "Vancouver poet Jillian Christmas and UBC creative writing professor Ian Williams win national awards". The Georgia Straight, May 6, 2021.
3. Pamela Fieber, "Poet Bertrand Bickersteth explores growing up Black in Alberta". CBC News Calgary, February 5, 2021.
4. Sean McIntosh, "Olds College instructor's work named to Alberta Reads Book Club Poetry Shortlist". Red Deer Advocate, March 13, 2021.
5. https://www.cbc.ca/books/bertrand-bickersteth-and-will-ferguson-among-writers-shortlisted-for-2021-alberta-literary-awards-1.5984213 "Bertrand Bickersteth and Will Ferguson among writers shortlisted for 2021 Alberta Literary Awards"