UEL hosts event celebrating Benjamin Zephaniah’s legacy

The University of East London is to host a heartfelt tribute event, honouring the life and legacy of the iconic poet, writer, and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UEL in 2003.

Staged at the new Arts Venue in Stratford on December 7, We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023 will commemorate the first anniversary of Zephaniah’s passing and celebrate his enduring impact on literature and social justice, especially within the Newham community.

Zephaniah’s powerful and unapologetic writing tackled issues of racism, inequality, and human rights, inspiring generations of readers. His distinctive dub poetry style, which blended reggae rhythms with sharp social commentary, established him as a groundbreaking figure in British literature. Works such as Talking Turkeys and We Are Britain! sparked essential conversations around race, class, and identity, cementing his role as a leading voice in Black British culture.

This special tribute event is part of UEL’s YES Partnership with the London Borough of Newham - a collaborative initiative to foster cultural development and support emerging artists, students, and the wider community.

Overseen by the Zephaniah family, the event will feature a series of reflections and readings celebrating Zephaniah’s life and legacy. Guests will experience performances of his influential works by poet and children’s author Michael Rosen, performance poet Levi Tafari, singer-songwriter Davina Songbird, actress and writer Pauline Melville, and author, artist, and activist Zita Holbourne. An exhibition on Zephaniah’s contributions to Black British culture and human rights advocacy will also be on display, alongside community stalls representing local organisations close to his heart.

Kritee Gower, Executive Director of UEL’s YES Partnership, shared the University’s pride in hosting the commemoration,

We are deeply honoured to pay tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah, a literary giant whose words continue to resonate with such force and urgency. The partnership between the University of East London and the London Borough of Newham was established to uplift voices that advocate for change, and it is a privilege to bring people together in Benjamin’s name to celebrate his lasting impact. His legacy reminds us of the power of words to uplift, provoke, and inspire, and we look forward to an evening that truly reflects his spirit and contributions to our community.”

Known affectionately as the ‘Bard of Stratford’, Zephaniah’s relationship with Newham began over 40 years ago when he moved to the borough, and his influence has been felt ever since. As a vocal supporter of community initiatives, he was instrumental in fostering spaces for dialogue and action on issues affecting the community, working closely with groups like the Newham Monitoring Project, Discover Children’s Story Centre, and the Hibiscus Caribbean Elderly Association. His journey as a published poet began in collaboration with Newham Bookshop, launching his first poetry collection, Pen Rhythm, and a transformative literary career.

Reflecting on Zephaniah’s impact, Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz OBE stated,

“We are honoured to recognise the remarkable contributions of Benjamin Zephaniah in Newham. His influence went beyond that of a literary figure; he was a source of inspiration, a mentor, and a dedicated advocate for change. His commitment to collaborating with Newham schools and community initiatives sparked a passion in numerous young people, empowering them to find their voices.

“Through his profound teachings, he instilled in us the transformative power of language and the importance of standing up against injustice. Benjamin’s legacy will continue guiding us, igniting inspiration for future generations.”

The Zephaniah family has also expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support in honouring Benjamin’s legacy.

“We are forever thankful for the continued outpouring of love and respect for Benjamin. His legacy lives on in the words he wrote and in the hearts of those he inspired. This event will be a true celebration of the love, activism, and creativity he brought to the world. We are really grateful to members of the Newham Monitoring Project, the University of East London, Newham Council, and numerous other contributors for making this event possible,” shared the Zephaniah family in a recent statement.

Event Details

Date: December 7, 2024
Location: The Arts Venue, Stratford Youth Zone, Theatre Square, London, E15 1BX
Time: 3 pm to 9 pm
Tickets: Available from We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023

Join us at UEL to honour the legacy of Benjamin Zephaniah - an activist, poet, and friend of the people of Newham. This tribute will be a memorable celebration of his profound impact on our community and the enduring inspiration he continues to provide across generations.

GoFundMe

The family of Benjamin Zephaniah has set up a GoFundMe to support this special memorial event. By contributing, you'll help make this celebration of the People's Poet a success, ensuring it is accessible and inclusive for all who wish to attend. To find out more, visit the GoFundMe website.