The announcement of the death of poet and pioneering writer, lyricist and musician Benjamin Zephaniah prompted an outpouring of tributes from people in Newham who had the privilege to know him and were influenced by his work.
Newham Bookshop was one of his favourite places and 20 years ago Zephaniah joined a live studio debate on Channel 4 News, filmed in the bookshop, to discuss why he turned down an OBE.
He said: “I’m in a bookshop full of people, these are the people I write for. I don’t write to impress the Queen, I don’t write to win awards and to get OBE’s and join an Empire’s club.”
