Yemarshet Sissay – The Resilient Mother of Lemn Sissay. Yemarshet Sissay is not a household name, but her story is one of extraordinary courage and perseverance. She is best known as the mother of celebrated British writer, poet, and broadcaster Lemn Sissay. Yemarshet’s life journey exemplifies her perseverance in the face of adversity. This biography will illuminate her early years, the obstacles she faced, and the profound influence she had on her son, Lemn Sissay.
Early Life
In the mid-1960s, Yemarshet Sissay’s journey began in Ethiopia. She made the life-altering decision to travel to the United Kingdom in 1966. Yemarshet, who was pregnant at the time, traveled to a foreign country to pursue her education. Her courage and determination to complete her education were just the beginning of her exemplary character traits.
Challenges Faced
Upon her arrival in the United Kingdom, Yemarshet encountered a number of obstacles that would test her resilience. Still pregnant, she was sent from Bracknell, Berkshire, to a home for unwed mothers in Lancashire. At this time, being unmarried and pregnant carried a significant social stigma, which made her journey even more difficult.
Yemarshet gave birth to her son Lemn Sissay in 1967 at Billinge Hospital in Lancashire, close to Wigan. The conditions surrounding Lemn’s birth and the subsequent years were far from ideal. It was a time when social services had significant influence over the lives of those in such circumstances.
The Journey of Separation
During this time period, Yemarshet experienced the agony of separation. The social worker Norman Goldthorpe encouraged the foster parents to treat the placement as an adoption of Lemn, the mother’s son. In a sense, she was compelled to give up her newborn child while coping with her own difficult circumstances.
After giving up her son, Yemarshet returned to Bracknell, Berkshire, to complete her education, which makes her story all the more heartbreaking. During this time, she endured the emotional turmoil of being separated from her child, with the expectation that they would be reunited in the future.
Giddey Estifanos and the Loss
Giddey Estifanos, the husband of Yemarshet and biological father of Lemn Sissay, was a pilot for Ethiopian Airlines. Tragically, he perished in a plane crash in 1972. This loss was a significant blow to the family, and it further complicated Yemarshet’s life.
Reuniting with Lemn Sissay
Yemarshet Sissay’s story is about a mother’s unwavering love and resolve to reunite with her child. She set out on a search for her son that would last for years. In a 1968 letter to Norman Goldthorpe, she pleaded for the return of her son, expressing her desire to once again see her child. In the letter, she emphasized the depth of her love by expressing her desire for Lemn to be with his own people and culture.
Yemarshet’s search for her son came to an end when she was reunited with Lemn at age 21. Her determination to reunite with her child exemplified the strength of a mother’s affection.
Legacy and Impact
Yemarshet Sissay’s life may not have unfolded in the spotlight, but her resilience, determination, and love left an indelible mark on her son, Lemn Sissay. Lemn’s path to becoming a celebrated poet, author, and broadcaster was influenced by his mother’s struggles and their eventual reconciliation. The story of Yemarshet serves as a reminder of the strength of maternal love and the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
The biography of Yemarshet Sissay may not be widely known, but her life story is a testament to her courage and unwavering love for her son. Her journey, which was fraught with obstacles and sacrifices, ultimately resulted in her reunion with her son, Lemn Sissay. While Yemarshet’s son’s achievements are celebrated on the international stage, it is essential to recognize the profound influence she had on his life. Her story is a remarkable illustration of perseverance and love, which makes her a hero in her own right.
Lemn Sissay – The Remarkable Life and Career of a Resilient Poet
Lemn Sissay is a name associated with originality, tenacity, and an indomitable spirit. This British writer and broadcaster overcame adversity to become a renowned poet and influential figure in the literary world. In this article, we will examine Lemn Sissay’s illuminating journey, from his turbulent childhood to his remarkable career and numerous accolades.
Early Years
The early years of Lemn Sissay were marked by a series of challenges and obstacles. Born in Higher End, Wigan, Lancashire, England on May 21, 1967, he was the son of Yemarshet Sissay, an Ethiopian woman who arrived in the United Kingdom while pregnant in 1966. Yemarshet was temporarily separated from her family, sent to a home in Lancashire for unwed mothers, and gave birth to Lemn while she was still pregnant. Giddey Estifanos, his biological father, was an Ethiopian Airlines pilot who perished in a plane crash in 1972.
Despite these early obstacles, Lemn Sissay’s tenacity and talent would eventually lead him to a path of self-discovery and originality.
Poetic Beginnings
At the age of 21, Sissay published his first collection of poetry in 1988, revealing his innate talent for using words to express the complexities of his life. Through his poetry, he explored his identity and sought answers to the questions that had plagued him since his turbulent childhood.
Career Achievements
- The 2012 London Olympics: Sissay was appointed as the official poet of the 2012 London Olympics, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his words on a global stage.
- University of Manchester Chancellor: In 2015, Sissay was elected as the chancellor of the University of Manchester, a position he held for seven years. This role demonstrated his dedication to inspiring future generations and promoting education.
- Foundling Museum: Sissay joined the board of trustees at the Foundling Museum, reflecting his commitment to social causes and the welfare of underprivileged children.
- PEN Pinter Prize: In 2019, Lemn Sissay was awarded the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize, which is presented to authors who fearlessly present an unflinching view of the world through their work.
- Booker Prize Judging Panel: Sissay’s influence extended to the literary world as he joined the judging panel for the Booker Prize, a prominent recognition for his expertise in literature.
Individual Conflicts and Advocacy
Sissay’s journey is not only one of personal success but also one of advocacy for those who have encountered adversity and the care system. He created a scholarship to encourage black men to pursue careers in law and criminal justice, thereby addressing the critical lack of diversity in these fields.
His one-act play, “The Report,” was based on a psychologist’s evaluation of his upbringing and the difficulties he encountered in the care system. In addition, he sued Wigan Council, which resulted in a substantial settlement and an official apology for the mistreatment he endured while in care.
Lemn Sissay’s extraordinary resilience and advocacy work make him an inspiration to many, and his story demonstrates the transformative power of art and education.
Summary
His career as a poet, author, and advocate for social justice has left an indelible mark on the worlds of literature and social justice. His ability to use words to heal, inspire, and effect change exemplifies the profound impact an individual can have when they refuse to let their past define them. The legacy of Lemn Sissay will continue to inspire future generations.
