OBITUARIES

The Guardian

Telegraph

Times

New York Times

Washington Post

Books for Keeps

REMEMBERED

by Helen Brown, Independent

remembered by Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and more, Guardian

Professor Deirdre Osborne, co-founder of the MA Black British Literature, Goldsmiths

SELECTION OF POSTS ON X

I was in awe of #BenjaminZephaniah‘s magneticism, holding huge audiences in the palm of his hands. Living locally we wd swop news, esp about his beloved Newham Bookshop. Always brimming with vitality, his formidable talent enriched our lives hugely. RIP to a Great.📚 💐💫 pic.twitter.com/Wlg1roiCiD

— ShirleyThompsonMusic (@SJThompsonMusic) December 8, 2023

I don’t really know what else to say, other than thank you for a life lived unapologetically.

Thank you for opening doors and setting such a brilliant example of what it is to use your gifts & presence to make the world a better place.

RIP Professor Benjamin Zephaniah.
🙏🏿💚 pic.twitter.com/FvmAjuzRgU

— Dapo Adeola (@DapsDraws) December 7, 2023

Benjamin Zephaniah – taken far too soon. A poet, an activist, and just a great human being and spirit. The laureate we never had and now we don’t have that opportunity. We remember your wise words. pic.twitter.com/e8okjxrsD2

— Just Imagine (@imaginecentre) December 7, 2023

“The best way to travel is by book, you can go anywhere you like” – Benjamin Zephaniah

We’ve lost one of poetry’s greats today. Zephaniah’s writing helped many make sense of themselves and the world around them. Here’s a video from our #MyBirminghamStory project back in 2021 ⬇️. pic.twitter.com/LMiJpcJBYN

— National Literacy Trust (@Literacy_Trust) December 7, 2023

Very much saddened to learn about the passing of the great Benjamin Zephaniah – he was a great champion of my work and for so many others too. A true innovator.

— Alex Wheatle (@brixtonbard) December 7, 2023

I am devastated…#BenjaminZephaniah you were the first ever poet & author I ever saw at age 17, and you made me BELIEVE…

RIP. In a heaven where you don’t have to fight for the right to Just Be.https://t.co/WzmORTFyIR

— onjali rauf (@OnjaliRauf) December 7, 2023

“He’s left us with his charm, his poetry, his revolutionary ways, his caring for people, his inclusiveness…”

The legendary artist, Joan Armatrading, has paid tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah on #Newsnight – ending the heartfelt interview by saying thank you to her friend. pic.twitter.com/jWSxRWUVrT

— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) December 7, 2023

In tribute to #BenjaminZephaniah, here’s our interview from June 2020. A conversation about George Floyd’s death in which Benjamin spoke about race, domestic violence, love, music. A testimony to the richness of his knowledge. Just listen to his last few words, pure poetry. pic.twitter.com/YVwY3o6tJL

— Kasia Madera (@KasiaMadera) December 8, 2023

I was shattered yesterday by the awful news about Benjamin Zephaniah – I will compile a page of major published obituaries – Meanwhile, here’s an interview I did with him in 1999 to coincide with publication of his first novel, FACE:https://t.co/gnLeF3lDan

— Michael Thorn (@achuka) December 8, 2023