Paul Akpomuje, PhD student, recently released his debut collection of poems titled Black Passport. Black Passport: A Migrant's Memoir tackles themes of migration, being Black African in Canada, the paperwork associated with journeys, borders, and more.
In this debut collection Paul's writing is emotional, multifaceted, compelling, and above all explores the diverse experiences of migrant stories.
Since joining the Faculty of Education Paul has co-hosted and organized multiple poetry and community events, like the Poetics of Migration: An interactive poetry workshop and the Poetics of Love, an event commemorating World Poetry Day in the Education Library.
The release of Paul's book presents an opportunity to gather community together for celebration and good food. On Thursday, February 26, 2026 Paul is doing a book launch and live reading at Modern Fuel Artist-Run Centre. Run by the Revolutionary Demand for Happiness and hosted by Sadiqa de Meijer, the poet laureate of Kingston, the book launch is an opportunity to listen, eat, and celebrate Black poetic storytelling. Doors will open at 4:30 pm and the event runs from 5 to 7 pm.
This collection of poems ties into Paul's current research on visa stories of Nigerian immigrants in Canada.
Black Passport can be purchased through Amazon, Indigo, and by visiting the local bookstore Novel Idea.