Benjamin Zephaniah Day: New celebration to commemorate writer

Benjamin Zephaniah was a writer, actor and poet

The first Benjamin Zephaniah Day will be held on 12 April 2025 and will be a chance to celebrate his life.

Benjamin Zephaniah was a British writer and poet who often performed his work to music or a beat, that drew on the rhythms of reggae.

The day will be led by his wife, Qian Zephaniah and will include activities like literary and musical performances, workshops and a showcase from writers and special guests, many of whom he inspired.

It's a chance for people who loved his work to pay tribute to him and commemorate his life and work.

Who was Benjamin Zephaniah?

Benjamin Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham, the son of a Barbadian postman and a Jamaican nurse.

He was dyslexic and left school aged 13, unable to read or write.

He went on to become very successful, and in 2008 he was included in The Times list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers.

He also wrote five novels as well as poetry for children, and his first book for younger readers, Talking Turkeys, was a huge success when it was published in 1994.

Zephaniah wrote about things that he was passionate about like politics and society, and he often spoke out about issues such as racism and education.

Zephaniah famously rejected an OBE due to the association of the honour with the British Empire and its history of slavery.

His message to people thinking of taking up poetry was: "You are important and me, and the world, need to hear your voice".