It is with deep sadness that The Open University pays tribute to Benjamin Zephaniah, a distinguished poet, writer, and Honorary Graduate of the OU who has died at the age of 65.
Benjamin’s career spanned the realms of poetry, literature, radio, music, and television. In 2004, t he OU recognised his outstanding contributions to the arts and sciences by awarding him an honorary doctorate. This marked the beginning of a close and enduring relationship between Benjamin and the OU.
During Black History Month in 2009, the OU worked with Benjamin to produce The Z Files, a captivating series that delved into the lives of notable Black figures in science, technology, and engineering. Through a series of interviews, Benjamin explored the aspirations and careers of acclaimed scientists, innovators, and engineers, leaving a mark on culture and academia.
In 2016, Benjamin collaborated once again with the OU for a Human Rights Week campaign. In 2019, he also crafted a spoken word poem in celebration of the OU’s 50th anniversary.
Beyond his association with the OU, Benjamin’s literary prowess earned him a nomination for ‘Autobiography of the Year’ at the National Book Awards in 2018. His influence extended to helping to establish the Black Writers’ Guild, where he mentored and nurtured emerging talents, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary landscape.
A familiar face at prestigious literary events such as The Hay Festival, Benjamin continued to connect with audiences, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 lockdowns. His on-screen presence, notably in the BBC drama series Peaky Blinders, showcased his acting talent and added another dimension to his skills.
The OU’s Dennis Walder, Emeritus Professor of Literature, worked with Benjamin and said at the degree ceremony that honoured him:
“Benjamin Zephaniah was a Rasta, a rapper and a poet, who showed what’s possible for those ground down by upbringing, environment, or ethnicity. Combining outrage with eloquence, self-awareness with self-discipline, his work has been enjoyed from Birmingham to Soweto, from Tower Hamlets to Jamaica.”
This week he described him as “a lovely, warm personality, and a radical poet” and added: “The main point as I recall was that his was not so much written down as performed poetry, and he was brilliant at that.”
For those interested in delving deeper into Benjamin’s extraordinary life and work, the BBC’s comprehensive obituary provides a fitting tribute.
