Honoring Benjamin Zephaniah: A Celebration at MAC Birmingham
The recent celebration at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in Birmingham honored the life and legacy of poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah. Organized by the Benjamin Zephaniah Family Legacy Group, the event was an artistic tribute that brought together family, creatives, and admirers, blending music, poetry, and visual art to celebrate Zephaniah’s impact on Birmingham and beyond.
The day was filled with stirring performances, including poetry by Jasmine Gardosi, Birmingham’s current Poet Laureate, and Casey Bailey, her predecessor. These powerful readings, alongside music and art installations, honoured Zephaniah’s commitment to creativity and activism. A highlight was the screen-printing workshop led by Zephaniah’s brother, Dave (DOS), who provided attendees the opportunity to try the screen printing pros to create T-shirts that celebrated Zephaniah’s values and vision.
The Zephaniah Forest: A Growing Tribute
One of the day’s focuses was the Zephaniah Forest project, a mini-forest planned for Burbury Park in Newtown, where Benjamin grew up. This initiative aims to create a lasting tribute to his legacy, where trees will be paired with poetry submissions from local residents. A poetry competition, “Trees Please, Poetry Please?” invites submissions until December 1st. The forest will provide a space for reflection, symbolising Zephaniah’s love for his community and nature.
Event Details
Date: September 1st, 2024
Location: Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) | Burbury Park, Newtown
Additional Info:
benjaminzephaniah.com
Birmingham Tree People