Professor Benjamin Zephaniah

Recorded somewhere in the 90s, this recording just sat on the shelf doing nothing. But when considering the state of our nations, & how states strive to control people & abuse power, it is still relevant, probably more relevant, now. See whole video here youtube.com/watch?v=4JYYZD…

Dis poetry

Don’t wait. Don’t wait to live, to love, to notice the small things— Because one day you’re fine… And the next— everything changes. I asked, “Why me?” They said, “Bad luck.” No reason. No warning. Just one moment— splitting life in two: before… and after. @richardsudan

What if love isn’t meant to be kept—but shared? Benjamin Zephaniah reminds us that real love doesn’t isolate us from the world—it connects us to it. “If we love each other that much, our love should be shared with others too.” #BenjaminZephaniah

Tell me Something about Family Launches on May 1st. I was born in May. May l you tell me something about family? Link in video. #tellmesomethingaboutfamily youtu.be/cW3SD33mzlk

Influence the reader. A poem that challenges, silence, distance and indifference To do wid me? Everything.

Just attended the Books From Children to Children launch yesterday at Library of Birmingham.Seeing 20 young voices celebrated moved me deeply. Child-led, for children – that's legacy. Support the crowdfunder 👇 shorturl.at/kKQAm

Poetry is not just the written, it’s lived, moved and performed. Every word has reason every line has a body. From Dance Matters, the Royal Academy of Dance Podcast.

When you were a young boy you created poems in your head, which you shared with your mother. What was it about poetry that you loved?

I WriTe thE way i waNt I have poetic license from Psychotic Snark fanzine, issue #2 (1985)

“Racist no more, Daddy.” Poetry changes things – one person at a time. I’ve seen it. — Benjamin Zephaniah

Benjamin Zephaniah's life holds lessons we still need. His own voice. His own words. His truth. Pick up the book. Or press play. Just don't miss the lesson. 🎙️📘 #BenjaminZephaniah

“Racism hasn’t disappeared — it’s changed its face.” Benjamin Zephaniah said it years ago. The struggle didn’t end, it evolved. His poetry wasn’t just words — it was a call to act.

@AP_Doramaqueen @Opinionated_moo He'd probably tell you not to be proud of being taught by him, but proud of what you do with what you learned. Go on, then — make him proud by making a ruckus for something that matters.

@BZephaniah @Opinionated_moo Proud to have been taught by him at Brunel.

Benjamin Zephaniah rejected the label “poet” called himself a toaster, MC, rapper. Said “poet” felt like elite culture taken from working people. Turned down Oxford & Cambridge, stayed in East London, broke, facing racism. “I want to work for these people.Not humility. Revolution

A proud Birmingham moment. Benjamin Zephaniah’s name is now on the board as a recipient of the first City of Birmingham Medal. Honoured to mark this with @BrumLordMayor and @Ms_SThompson Birmingham remembers. Birmingham celebrates. Birmingham continues the work.

Exclusive 80th birthday signing @newhambookshop + @walkerbooksuk Goodie bags for the first 25 customers

"Life & Rhymes." Perfectly captured Benjamin Zephaniah's spirit. ' This photo is from June 2021, when the show won the BAFTA. A monumental win for poetry. Since Benjamin passed, we've lost a giant-but not his message. Write a poem. Share a rhyme. Keep his art alive.

Benjamin Zephaniah and Lemn Sissay in conversation youtu.be/DoZxGkrX6g0?si…

A beautiful celebration of imagination, wonder, and the power of words — A Poem in the Sky by Benjamin Zephaniah, brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of Nila Aye. A timeless reminder of Benjamin’s voice, creativity, and belief in young minds.

People need people by Benjamin Zephaniah illustrated by Nila Aye