University News Last updated 12 March
Birmingham honoured the life and legacy of trailblazing poet Benjamin Zephaniah on Wednesday by naming him the first-ever recipient of the City of Birmingham Medal.
In a Birmingham City Council event fittingly staged at Birmingham City University’s Benjamin Zephaniah Building, the award was accepted posthumously by his widow, Qian Zephaniah, and his brother, Tippa Naphtali.
“Birmingham shaped Benjamin’s voice, his politics, and his poetry, and he always said his words belonged to everyone,” said Qian, pictured with the medal above.
“To accept this inaugural medal here, in the building that bears his name, is profoundly moving.”
Tippa added: “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.”
The City of Birmingham medal was designed by Fangjing Hu, a recent MA graduate from Birmingham City University’s internationally renowned School of Jewellery.
Now an Artist in Residence at the School, her design was inspired by Birmingham’s architecture and Coat of Arms.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University, was among the speakers at Wednesday’s event.
“Benjamin Zephaniah’s voice was fearless and compassionate, challenging injustice and celebrating the diversity that defines Birmingham,” he said.
“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 a talented member of our School of Jewellery community makes this tribute even more special, connecting the city, our university and the next generation of creative talent.”
Benjamin, who died in 2023, is the inaugural recipient of the medal, which recognises his lasting impact on modern British culture and literature, as well as his community work and activism.
Proud to call himself a “son of Birmingham”, his legacy remains deeply connected to the city.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, presented the award, paying tribute to Benjamin’s impact on the city’s cultural life.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Produced by Thomas Fattroini Ltd at its headquarters in the Jewellery Quarter, the medal will be awarded to future recipients.
Special thanks to BCU’s Public and Community Engagement team, who worked closely with Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, to help bring the project to life.
Pictured: Professor David Mba (Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University); Fangjing Hu (School of Jewellery graduate and designer of the medal); The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE; Qian Zephaniah;, Councillor Sharon Thompson (Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council); and Councillor Robert Alden.