Shahaddah Jack is a bilingual spoken word poet, recording artist, human rights activist, and emerging cultural leader from Tkaronto. Rooted in her diverse heritage, her work confronts anti-Black racism, mental health access, addresses environmental justice and community safety. She uses art to connect lived experience with systemic change.

As Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate, Shahaddah helped redefine the role of poetry in civic life, bringing artistic expression into government spaces, national announcements, and international conversations. She has performed on over 100 stages including TIFF, Hot Docs Cinema, the Meridian Arts Centre, and History stage. Her work has been featured at major federal announcements, including Canada’s 2024 Anti-Racism Strategy. Her poetry has also been shared internationally by the Canadian Consulate in Los Angeles.

Beyond the stage, Shahaddah has lobbied in Parliament in Ottawa to advocate for increased youth employment, expanded mental health supports for young people, and stronger federal investment in youth-serving organizations. She has created commissioned work for Footlocker and Toronto Tempo, facilitated social justice workshops, and used poetry in restorative justice programs to support healing and empowerment for justice-involved youth.

Recognized as BGC Canada’s 2022 National Youth of the Year, one of Streets of Toronto’s Most Inspirational Women in 2022, and Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2025, Shahaddah represents a generation of artists shaping Canada’s cultural and civic future. While early in her career, she is steadily emerging as a trailblazer at the intersection of art, advocacy, and leadership.

Her debut book, Underrated Royalty, alongside her work as a recording artist, reflects her commitment to storytelling that inspires reflection, accountability, and change.