15 April 1958 – 7 December 2023.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE offered heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of celebrated poet, writer and artist Benjamin Zephaniah who passed away at the age of 65-years on Thursday 7 December 2023, following the diagnosis of a brain tumour.
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “Newham has the honour and privilege of being a place where Benjamin Zephaniah excelled with his creativity, deepened connections through beautiful friendships and cemented a loving bond with our borough because of its diversity. He was an inspirational campaigner and activist, and we celebrate his life for being one of Britain’s most prolific literary and artistic forces. He also towered as a giant for being amongst the country’s most vocal proponents of justice and ethics.
“Benjamin was a brother of a man who stood unflinchingly against racism and injustice. He moved to Newham in 1980 and got stuck-in across a range of social justice initiatives including housing, food and child-care co-operatives. It was in Newham where he was able to publish his first book of poetry, Pen Rhythm. He loved Newham and the vibrancy of its people; alongside the uniqueness of its neighbourhoods, such as Green Street where he struck up an extraordinary lifelong friendship with founder of the Newham Bookshop, Vivian Archer. Like her, so many local people are deeply saddened since the news of his death but they’ll keep Benjamin Zephaniah deep in their hearts. As he rests in peace, we will never forget his power.”
Vivian Archer, founder of the Newham Bookshop, said: “Benjamin was the most fantastic communicator, he engaged with everyone. He used to cycle past most mornings, come in and sit by the till to serve. His book signings were legendary with huge queues, he spent time with everyone. So many young people started reading because of him, and learnt a love of poetry. He never flinched from his political principles, he was very outspoken on Empire and conscious of his roots. He was an open and warm human being. Newham is and should be proud of Benjamin's love for Newham and its people.”
In 2013 Benjamin wrote of his beloved shop as it celebrated its 35th anniversary: “For 35 years Newham Bookshop has stayed both local and international at the same time, truly reflecting the local people and their ideas. This bookshop has helped the local people pass exams, fall in love, meet authors, become authors, get work experience, get life experience, learn to read, understand Britain, understand the world, understand themselves, and engage in political struggles to liberate themselves and show solidarity with others.”
- You can see Vivian’s tribute to Benjamin on Channel 4 News.
- Green Street Library has organised a display of Benjamin’s books.
