Benjamin Zephaniah’s widow Qian Zephaniah and brother Tippa Naphtali receive his City of Birmingham Medal.
Birmingham honoured the life and legacy of trailblazing poet Benjamin Zephaniah yesterday during a ceremony at Birmingham City University (BCU), where his City of Birmingham Medal was presented
The award was accepted posthumously on his behalf by his brother Tippa Naphtali and his widow Qian Zephaniah on 11 March, with the ceremony fittingly held in the Benjamin Zephaniah Building on BCU’s City Centre Campus.
Benjamin is the inaugural recipient of the medal, which is Birmingham’s third civic award and has been designed by students at BCU’s renowned School of Jewellery.
Born in Handsworth, Benjamin started performing poetry at demonstrations and youth gatherings. His many books including Refugee Boy, Too Black Too Strong and The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah, often responded directly to issues of race and equality.
He was heavily influenced by Jamaican music and poetry and released several albums, as well as appearing on radio and television including his role as Jeremiah "Jimmy" Jesus in BBC drama Peaky Blinders.
The award acknowledges his lasting influence on modern British culture and literature. His work features on the national curriculum and continues to inspire generations of writers, rappers and poets.
Proud to call himself a “son of Birmingham”, Benjamin is recognised not only for his varied and pioneering career as a writer, poet, actor and musician, but also for his charitable and community work.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE said: “From his groundbreaking poetry collections to his iconic role in Peaky Blinders, Benjamin Zephaniah was a trailblazer and is a much-missed son of Birmingham whose work continues to shape our cultural and literary identity.
Fittingly the first recipient of the City of Birmingham medal, he embodied the spirit and creativity of our city, and I was honoured to present his widow and his family with this award as we came together to celebrate his remarkable life and career.”
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of BCU, said: “Benjamin Zephaniah’s voice was fearless and compassionate, challenging injustice and celebrating the diversity that defines Birmingham. It is especially meaningful for Birmingham City University to host this ceremony in the building that bears his name. That the medal has been designed by students from our School of Jewellery makes this tribute even more special, connecting the city, our university and the next generation of creative talent.”
Benjamin’s brother, Tippa Naphtali said: “We are extremely proud that it is Benjamin's city of birth that is making this award and are grateful to the City Council for supporting several memorial initiatives since his untimely passing in 2023. We are also extremely grateful to all the parties involved in making this event possible.”
Benjamin’s widow, Qian Zephaniah said: "Birmingham shaped Benjamin's voice, his politics, and his poetry, and he always said his words belonged to everyone. He used to say that Birmingham was the best city in the country, with the best curries, the best canals, parks, hip-hop and reggae — and he meant every word. To accept this inaugural medal here, in the building that bears his name, is profoundly moving. This award is not just his—it belongs to every young writer and dreamer in Handsworth and across this city who dares to speak out. It is much appreciated to Birmingham for embracing him and for ensuring his words continue to echo through these streets and for keeping his spirit alive in the next generation."
