Bonnie Greer

by Colin

Obviously this is different. Suits arrive and here is our illustrious leader, Professor Heidi Macpherson to carry out the introductions. This is not a job for a mere mortal, we are in the presence of a star. Wow! Even the two front rows are reserved.Keep the students at the back, away from the presence of the great one.

There was a lot of obsequious fawning from some in the audience.Yes Bonnie, No Bonnie, can I lick your feet Bonnie?Where's the sick bag Bonnie?

Actually, the lady herself was good. She took us on a journey from Chicago to New York, her earliest attempts at writing when she was five.She told us how she wrote her first schoolplay at 8.The influence of Tennesee Williams and other strong 'American Family' authors on her early work. Moving from that to Women's and particularly the black women's movement. The real struggle to make her self heard.

Writing for the radio, the importance of creating image, how vital the sound of words become.She was also on the brink of the publication of her first novel.

Bonnie was scathing of critics."Critics have nothing to say, they criticize, they're not worth Jack." She was also impressed with Leicester. "This city has got it right, the demographics, the genetic mix, Leicester is a role model for the rest of the world."

Yes Bonnie, you were good...A real star.