Khadijah Halliday, a gifted poet from St Lucia, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious William T. Battrick Poetry Fellowship for 2024 at Oberlin College, Ohio. This accolade recognizes her as a rising star in the literary world, celebrating her innovative voice in poetry.

Halliday, currently a third-year student at Oberlin, is pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing. Her journey to this recognition started in her homeland, where her captivating spoken word performances earned her widespread acclaim. Further honing her craft at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and St Joseph’s Convent in St Lucia, Halliday developed a passion for poetry that has followed her to the prestigious halls of Oberlin.

The Battrick Poetry Fellowship, established in 1990 through a bequest by Oberlin alumnus William T. Battrick, is awarded annually to a student demonstrating exceptional poetic talent. It not only brings honor but also offers substantial support to budding poets, including a cash award to further their artistic endeavors.

Oberlin College, known for its rigorous creative writing program, has provided Halliday with a nurturing environment to flourish. Her selection for the fellowship underscores the college’s commitment to fostering literary talents and celebrates Halliday’s contributions to the arts.

The significance of this achievement extends beyond individual recognition, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of St Lucia and the potential of Caribbean poets to make a global impact. Halliday’s success serves as an inspiration and a source of pride for her community, emphasizing the universal appeal and transformative power of poetry.

Halliday is set to share her work at the Creative Writing Awards Reading at Oberlin’s Dye Lecture Hall on April 29, providing a platform for her to showcase the depth and creativity that garnered her this esteemed fellowship. Her journey is a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant potential of Caribbean artistic expression.