Image Credit: E7 Now & Then www.e7-nowandthen.org
A commemorative plaque was unveiled this week [September 2024] at Brunel University to honour the memory of the late Professor Benjamin Zephaniah.
An outdoor area on the university’s campus has also been named after Benjamin as a permanent tribute.
The much-loved poet, musician, writer, performer, actor, activist, and Professor of Creative Writing had a profound impact on the Brunel University community.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by hundreds of staff and students including his widow, Qian, who gave a moving tribute at the event earlier this week.
She spoke of her gratitude to Brunel’s community for their continued support and in a personal gesture of remembrance wore a hat and suit that belonged to her late husband, a nod to his vibrant spirit and style.
She also, from memory, recited Benjamin’s poem ‘People Need People’ from his 2023 children’s picture book, which recently won the Queen’s Knickers Award, highlighting its message on the importance of community and togetherness.
