Brunel University London has unveiled a tribute plaque honouring the late Benjamin Zephaniah, celebrated writer, actor and musician, per radionewshub.com. The event, held in the newly renamed Benjamin Zephaniah Square, marked a touching remembrance of the dub poet who passed away in December 2023 at 65, shortly after a brain tumour diagnosis.
Professor Andrew Jones, Brunel’s vice-chancellor, lauded Zephaniah’s impact during the unveiling. He highlighted the poet’s role as chair of creative writing at Brunel since 2011, emphasising his unique voice and commitment to social justice. Jones praised Zephaniah’s dedication to inspiring students and his belief in the transformative power of words.
The ceremony was attended by Zephaniah’s widow, Qian, who read from his award-winning children’s book People Need People. Colleagues from Brunel’s creative writing department, including Booker Prize-winner Bernardine Evaristo, paid homage to their former peer.
A notable highlight was the introduction of Borderless, an anthology of poetry and prose by Brunel students and graduates, created in tribute to Zephaniah. The collection, exploring themes of belonging and environmentalism, will donate its profits to Inquest, a charity Zephaniah supported.
Zephaniah’s legacy extends beyond his academic contributions. Known for his dub poetry and appearances in the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, he was also recognized for his autobiography and outspoken views on racial issues and education. His principled stance was evident in his rejection of an OBE in 2003, citing the British Empire’s history of slavery.
