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The University of East London is to host a heartfelt tribute event, honouring the life and legacy of the iconic poet, writer, and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from UEL in 2003.
Staged at the new Arts Venue in Stratford on December 7, We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023 will commemorate the first anniversary of Zephaniah’s passing and celebrate his enduring impact on literature and social justice, especially within the Newham community.
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Zephaniah’s powerful and unapologetic writing tackled issues of racism, inequality, and human rights, inspiring generations of readers. His distinctive dub poetry style, which blended reggae rhythms with sharp social commentary, established him as a groundbreaking figure in British literature. Works such as Talking Turkeys and We Are Britain! sparked essential conversations around race, class, and identity, cementing his role as a leading voice in Black British culture.
This special tribute event will feature readings of Zephaniah’s poems by renowned figures such as poet and children’s author Michael Rosen, and other influential artists, writers, musicians, such as Levi Tafari, The Riddim Squad and Zita Holbourne, as well as public figures, who will share their reflections on his influence. There will also be an exhibition celebrating Zephaniah’s role as a pioneer in Black British culture and his contributions to human rights advocacy, alongside a range of stalls from community organisations and enterprises.
Event Details:
- Date: December 7, 2024
- Location: The Arts Venue, Stratford Youth Zone, Theatre Square, London, E15 1BX
- Time: 3pm to 9pm (two parts – exhibition/interaction (daytime) + performances/speakers (evening)
See full Press Release – For further information, interviews with family, artists, and performers, or to request press accreditation, please contact UEL Senior Corporate Communications Manager Lucia Blash at l.blash@uel.ac.uk
