“It takes a village to raise a child,”–A popular African proverb.

In 2017, I was that child. A breakout poet and writer in North-East, England. Even though I have been a writer all my life. Apart from avid readers of my blog (toluakinyemi.com) at the time I did not have a large reading audience or mentors that I could climb on their shoulders to literary acclaim. The consistency of my blog posts had dwindled over the years as life happened- work, family and the day-to-day grind of living had taken its toll.

Here I was in Newcastle upon Tyne, about to publish my first collection of poems “Dead Lions Don’t Roar” and the only currency I had was community. A community of writers on the local scene and a community of colleagues working on a Financial Crime Compliance Remediation project for a Global Tier 1 Bank. These were the communities whose wings I could fly on. From the outstanding support I garnered on the local literary scene, to the colleagues some of whom have now become lifelong friends, who gave me their unconditional support on my journey to literary acclaim.

These communities were the building blocks on which the foundation of my literary journey was built. After the launch of my first book, my writing became more playful, experimental, and even catered to the needs of my community. After all, I was a community poet.

As I anticipate the launch of my twenty-third book in summer 2025, I reminisce on how my journey began in North-East England and I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has shown me tremendous love and support through the years. I also believe that in my area of influence, I have been able to pay it back by being a pillar of support to established and budding writers alike through the years. I have also helped countless others discover their own unique roar amongst a cacophony of voices and inspiring people to own the stage of their life with boldness and a fierce roar.

To those who have also been part of my journey, whom I have not referenced here. I am indeed grateful for the vital part you played. For your advice on the vagaries of publishing, to the support I received during my application for endorsement with Arts Council England as a writer with exceptional talent. I believe you will be immensely proud knowing that I have also helped countless others on their own endorsement application journeys and fulfilling their lifelong dreams.

*On further reflection, it has been over seven years since my first book was published. I have sold tens of thousands of books, earned global literary acclaim and won literary awards. I am grateful for the gift of community which shaped my literary journey through their incredible support.*

Sincere appreciation to the pastor of my local church at the time who turned up for my first book launch and knew that a global literary star had been born.

A special shout-out to my parents and family for their incredible support on my journey to literary acclaim.

I will close with the title of an essay in my collection of inspirational and motivational essays “Unravel Your Hidden Gems”—Relationships: The Current that controls your life.