We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah: (Memorial & Celebration)

Hello, My name is Janice and, in partnership with Benjamin's Family I am fundraising for a Memorial Celebration of the life of Benjamin Zephaniah.

The renowned Poet, Musician, Actor and Activist passed away on 7th December 2023.

We are planning a community event in The London Borough of Newham to mark the First Anniversary of his untimely passing and to celebrate his life and work. It will take place on Saturday 7th December at 5pm and will be at a local arts venue.

This event is being organised with members of the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group, supported by local community members/activists including Newham bookshop, Newham Council and the University of East London.

Benjamin Zephaniah had a very strong connection with Newham, having lived in the borough for over three decades. He touched the lives of many who lived here. He was in the borough from 1979 to 2008 and Newham represented so many new beginnings for Benjamin.

He wanted a new start away from challenging times in his hometown of Birmingham and was also hoping to find a wider platform for his emerging poetry. He had his first job at the' Whole Thing', a workers cooperative in Stratford which had a bookshop and a wholefood café. His first book ’Pen Rhythm’ was published by One Page Books.

He, and his brother Tippa Naphtali also later met local musicians and formed a band preforming his poems in the UK and abroad. Benjamin went on to achieve great success in poetry and music, with much of his work being produced and published during his time in Newham. He was known as the 'Bard of Stratford.'

He also contributed so much to the community through his activism and support of important community organisations, such as Newham Monitoring Project. He also worked closely with a number of schools in the area to make poetry more accessible and appealing to local children, many of whom are now adults with memories of how inspiring that experience was.

Benjamin was also a ,long standing supporter of Newham Bookshop where he did many signings of his books.

Benjamin was important to Newham, but equally Newham was important to him as it supported his new start and his future life as a Poet and Performer. He also went on to be an Award winning author, and was based at Brunel University for many years teaching contemporary creative writing. He also played a prominent role in the TV drama sensation Peaky Blinders, amongst so many other achievements and accolades.

Our event will be a true celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah’s life and his deep connection with the community. There will be a diverse array of performances, speeches, stalls, an exhibition of photographs and other items illustrating his time in Newham.

We are asking for your generosity and support to make this special celebration of the life of the People's Poet a success, and to make it accessible and inclusive for all who attend.

Thank you for your support

Target amount £6500