About Klyde

Klyde Broox

​Born in Jamaica, Klyde grew up as an aristocrat, attending private schools and living on an eight-acre estate. Despite the privilege of his upbringing, he was deeply attuned to the disparities and struggles faced by the less fortunate. This awareness fueled his lifelong commitment to justice and equity. To truly understand the plight of the homeless, Klyde took an extraordinary step—choosing to live on the streets for three months. This humbling experience shaped his approach to advocacy, allowing him to address homelessness with profound empathy and practical insight.

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Klyde’s work extended far beyond the homeless community. He collaborated with those facing mental health challenges, offering a voice to their experiences through poetry workshops and creative initiatives. He partnered with hospitals, including St. Joseph’s in Hamilton, using art and storytelling to aid in patient care and mental health recovery. His compassion also led him to support Indigenous communities, honoring their stories and traditions while advocating for their rights and liberation. As a Black man and a champion for racial justice, Klyde was unrelenting in his efforts to liberate Black communities from systemic oppression. His words and actions challenged oppressive structures and invited others to envision and fight for a world rooted in equality and freedom.

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Klyde was also a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, using his art and activism to amplify marginalized voices and foster understanding and inclusivity. He believed in the fundamental right of all people to live authentically and without fear, and he worked tirelessly to combat discrimination, champion equality, and build bridges across communities. Klyde’s commitment to justice extended to fighting for the rights of all, ensuring that no one was excluded from the vision of a liberated and equitable society.

Klyde’s impact was widely recognized. His work earned him accolades from universities and institutions across Canada, where his poetry and activism are studied as part of academic curriculums. His book of poetry is taught in universities nationwide, a testament to the enduring power of his words. He received honors from the Ontario Arts Council and was celebrated in Parliament in Hamilton for his invaluable contributions to arts, culture, and social justice.

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To honor his legacy, scholarships were established in his name in Jamaica, providing opportunities for young artists and activists to pursue their passions and continue the work he so passionately championed. These scholarships ensure that his commitment to empowerment, creativity, and justice lives on, inspiring future generations to create meaningful change.

Through his art, Klyde created spaces of healing and empowerment, weaving together the stories of the forgotten and the silenced. He believed that art was not just an expression of beauty but a tool for liberation—a way to connect, inspire, and mobilize people toward collective action.

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At KLYDE’S Creatives, we honor his remarkable legacy. Klyde’s life serves as a testament to the power of walking one’s talk, of living authentically in service to others. He taught us that true change begins with understanding and that understanding is born from listening, learning, and living alongside those we seek to uplift.

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Heaven is a state of mind—and Klyde showed us how to create it through compassion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to justice.