‘Benjamin Zephaniah: Poet for the People’
(Featured article by our friend and comrade, Mukhtar Dar)
The following is dedicated to Benjamin (cousin of Mikey Powell), who died on 7 December 2023 aged 65.
He died in the early hours of Thursday morning after being diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks before.
Brother, Tippa Naphtali, said; “To the world Benjamin was the renowned writer, poet, human rights activist, actor and outspoken critic of the state and social injustice and more’. To us, his family, he was also all of these things, but most important of all he was simply a son, brother, uncle or cousin – and we will miss him very, very deeply.
“We’ve put together this collection of clips and stories to demonstrate the depth of respect which is held globally for Benjamin. His message and legacy will remain for generations, carrying on his work and influence in all spheres of cultural and social dialogue.
“With the greatest of respect dear brother.”
‘Download ‘Valerie Wright (a Mother’s Message)’ | Leave your yellow heart in memory of Benjamin on the Cruse Bereavement platform
‘Featured Video’
Benjamin Zephaniah: The People’s Poet
Benjamin Zephaniah was the living embodiment of the principles he championed—justice, equality, and humanity. His is a profound legacy for young people in our communities to emulate and follow, writes Mukhtar Dar, former member of the Birmingham Asian Youth Movement.
My journey with Benjamin Zephaniah began in the vibrant cauldron of ideologies that was Handsworth in the mid-1980s. As a member of the Sheffield Asian Youth Movement, I found myself immersed in the Black revolutionary politics that defined this hub, attracting artists, activists, and academics. It was here that I first encountered the magnetic presence of Benjamin Zephaniah.
In those tumultuous times, I was documenting the anti-racist struggles of Asian and African Caribbean communities, and in particular the Newham 7 and Newham 8 Campaigns — Asian youth who defended themselves and their communities against brutal racist attacks in East London. Benjamin and his brother Tippa Naphtali actively supported these campaigns, lending their voices through performances at fundraising events and, together with Tippa, and I, we engaged the crowd on the mic while playing drums during the weekly pickets of the trial outside the Old Bailey in London.
Life took me to Manchester and Liverpool, where I had the privilege of teaching art at the Centre for Arts Development Training. It was during this time that I discovered the personal connection—Amina, one of my students, of Pakistani background introduced me to her husband, Benjamin Zephaniah.
‘Online Resources’
The National Mikey Powell Memorial Family Fund have launched the Benjamin Zephaniah remembrance calendar on behalf of his family.
Read more about the aims and mission of the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group that was formed by his direct family in January 2024.
Free-to-use Social media banners in memory of Professor Benjamin Zephaniah. Provided courtesy of his family and @msoulfires.
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Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy 