‘Remembering a Titan’
“I’d like to have a revolution, but everyone’s too busy shopping”
Dr Benjamin Zephaniah
Broadly speaking the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group (set up by his siblings in 2024) plans to help keep Benjamin’s name alive, and to make sure communities are aware of the initiatives we co-produce or support in order to build on and maintain Benjamin’s rich and enduring legacy.
The Family Plans
‘What We Will Do’
Linking with Communities
As Benjamin was a man of the people we will develop links with communities and organisations and give everyday people the opportunity to pay their respects as well as to collectively celebrate his life and rhythms.
Benjamin Zephaniah Legacy
We plan to help keep Benjamin’s name alive, and make sure that our varied communities are made aware of initiatives we co-produce or support in order to build on and maintain his rich and enduring legacy.
Long Term Aspirations
We want to develop and/or support legacy partnership opportunities for the long-term which may include achievement awards, international exchange schemes, memorial programmes and much more.
Memorial Event, December 2024
One Year On
The family of Benjamin Zephaniah, in conjunction with local community groups, Newham Council and the University of East London, hosted a heartfelt tribute event honouring the life and legacy of the iconic poet, writer, and activist who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UEL in 2003.
Staged at ‘The Source’ Arts Venue in East London on 7 December 2024, ‘We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023’ commemorated the first anniversary of Zephaniah’s passing and celebrated his enduring impact on literature and social justice, especially within the Newham community and beyond.
Featured Video
Our Collaborations to Date
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statutory & corporate
16
charities & grassroots
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arts & education
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businesses & people
Last updated : 2 August 2025
The People’s Poet
Brother, Tippa Naphtali, said; “To the world Benjamin was the renowned writer, poet, human rights activist, actor and outspoken critic of the state, social injustice and more’. But to us, his family, he was also all of these things, but most important of all he was simply a son, brother, uncle or cousin – and we will miss him very, very deeply.“
The Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group was formed by his direct family members in January 2024.
“Beloved by millions across Britain for his inspirational poetry, writing for children, music and acting, his work was always animated by his unwavering commitment to freedom, free-speech and justice for all racialised and oppressed peoples”
Aston Villa pay tribute to legend
“Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy. Thank you for the love you have shown to us Professor Benjamin Zephaniah”
“Here at Acorns Hospice, one of the things we will remember most dearly is the amount of pure joy that he brought to children and families. His visits to our hospices over many years were always filled with smiles and lots of laughter”
Recent Shared News
- Honouring Benjamin Zephaniah: Stratford Library Plaque & Film UnveilingThe unveiling of Benjamin Zephaniah’s Memorial Plaque and the film from his 1st memorial event will take place at Stratford Library in Newham, East London.
- Film Launch (March 2026): We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah – 1958 to 2023The memorial film (produced by Flexible Films) will be publicly released on 14 March 2026 @ 11:45pm (a day before what would have been Zephaniah’s 68th birthday).
- Report from the University of Birmingham first Benjamin Zephaniah Community LectureBirmingham University lit up their historic clock tower in the Rasta colours of red, gold and green to mark the 1st Annual Benjamin Zephaniah Community Lecture.
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