A website celebrating the life and work of poet Benjamin Zephaniah is asking people across the UK to keep his spirit alive through poetry, art and creativity.
Developed by Brunel University of London and backed by The Arts Council, forBenjamin.org lets people upload poems, artwork, photographs, performances and personal tributes inspired by the writer, activist and performer.
Zephaniah, who died in 2023 rose from a difficult childhood in Birmingham to become one of Britain's most recognisable literary voices. He spent decades championing equality, social justice and the power of creativity. From 2011 until he died, he was Brunel’s Professor of Creative Writing, inspiring students, schools and community groups across the region.
The site brings together community projects, workshops and events inspired by his work, including Benjamin Zephaniah Day, while creating a permanent digital home for those touched by his writing and activism.
His wife, Qian Zephaniah, said: “Benjamin had a gift for making people feel truly seen, and every poem, photograph, or story we offer here becomes a small gift back to him.”
People can upload creative work inspired by Zephaniah's life, values and writing, helping build what organisers call a living legacy for future generations.
From schoolchildren discovering poetry for the first time to established artists inspired by his words, organisers hope the project will continue the mission that defined Benjamin's life: proving poetry belongs to everyone.
“Benjamin believed in the power of poetry and literature to change the world, and inspired generations of people with his work. We hope this website will be both a celebration of his life and work and a forum for the next generation of poets and writers,” said project co-ordinator Dr Jessica Cox, Reader in English Literature at Brunel.