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Honoring Benjamin Zephaniah’s Legacy in Newham

A special event celebrates Zephaniah’s poetry, activism, and enduring impact on Newham and beyond, writes Neandra Etienne.

a painting of Benjamin Zephaniah by Ellie 2024
Photo: Benjamin Zephaniah by Ellie 2024

The We Remember Benjamin Zephaniah; 1958 to 2023 special event will honour his extraordinary work and legacy in the world of poetry, activism, and social justice one year to the day of his passing.

Poet, writer and activist Benjamin Zephaniah, affectionately dubbed the ‘Bard of Stratford’, lived in the Borough from 1979 to 2008. He was a Patron of the Newham Monitoring Project, Discover Children’s Story Centre, and Hibiscus Caribbean Elderly Association. He taught a poetry workshop one evening a week for ten weeks at the Newham Black Performing and Visual Arts Workshop.

Benjamin was also actively involved with Newham Bookshop.

The event, organised by Benjamin’s family, will include an exhibition, poetry and stalls from community organisations and enterprises.


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