Plans to honour legacy Birmingham legend Benjamin Zephaniah agreed

The Handsworth-born writer, poet and actor helped put the city on the cultural map through his work, which often addressed themes of racism, inequality and human rights.

There were tributes from across the country when the Peaky Blinders star died in December 2023, at the age of 65, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

In a move to celebrate his achievements, the city council has now approved proposals to posthumously confer upon Zephaniah the City of Birmingham Medal.

He will be the first recipient of the medal since its creation by the authority in April 2023.

Coun Sharon Thompson, deputy leader at the city council, described the trailblazing writer as a “proud Brummie and a man of compassion who never forgot the community that shaped him”.

“When Benjamin died in December 2023, I made a promise to Benjamin’s family that this city would honour him in a significant way,” she told a full council meeting on Tuesday, January 28.

“It’s fitting he is the first recipient of this medal because he spent his whole life breaking new ground.”

Conservative councillor Darius Sandhu (Oscott) told the meeting that Zephaniah “was a force that never forgot where he came from”.

Roger Harmer, leader of the Liberal Democrats at the council, said the poet grew up in a time of huge challenges, such as racism, inequality and the struggles of working class life.

“He turned them into fuel for his art,” he said. “His poetry reflects the rhythms of Birmingham’s streets.”

Coun Julien Pritchard (Green Party, Druids Heath and Monyhull) said he had been personally inspired by Zephaniah’s sense of hope and justice.

He urged the council to keep as many libraries open as possible to honour his memory and inspire the next generation of writers, poets and activists.

Giving a statement on behalf of the family this month, Zephaniah’s brother Tippa Naphtali said: “Following Benjamin’s death in December 2023, his family were approached by many individuals, organisations and institutions who wanted to stage events or initiatives in his memory.

“In total, the family worked with over 45 such parties nationally in the year following his passing.

“Such was the strength of feeling in Birmingham, we have worked (and are still working) with third parties on a number of legacy projects.”

He continued: “Benjamin helped put Birmingham on the map.

“Right up to his death he remained committed to doing everything he could to promote and support Birmingham on a national and international stage and was passionate about giving the city the recognition and national profile that it deserves.”

The council agreed on Tuesday that it should consult with the family of Zephaniah to make arrangements for the awarding of the medal within the next 12 months.