University News Last updated 19 May
Birmingham City University (BCU) has officially celebrated the opening of the Benjamin Zephaniah Building on its City Centre Campus.
Named in honour of the late poet, playwright, actor and activist, the four-storey building in Bartholomew Row is now home to BCU’s Education and Communities students and staff.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said it was fitting that the building, formerly known as University House, now carried the name of one of Birmingham’s most iconic individuals.
“Benjamin believed in the power of education to transform lives,” said Professor Mba.
“He gave voice to the voiceless. He taught us that education is not just about knowledge, but about empowerment, inclusion, and creativity.
“These are the very values that underpin the work we do in this building every day.”
The official opening was attended by Benjamin’s wife, Qian, and Baroness Mary Bousted, former joint general secretary of the National Education Union and previously the general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.
In her keynote speech, Baroness Bousted said: “It’s so fitting we are celebrating the transformational power of education with Benjamin Zephaniah who knew the fundamental place of narrative and telling stories about our lives.
“This building is so important as it will train children and young people to find their potential in creating their stories and more importantly finding their voice,” she added.
As well as teaching spaces, the Benjamin Zephaniah Building has science labs, a flexible space for design and technology, an art room, and an Innovation and Lego teaching room.
“This is more than a building - it’s a space where ideas grow, identities are celebrated, and the next generation of thinkers and creators can find their voice,” added Professor Mba.
At the opening BCU also launched the annual Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers competition following the success of last year’s event.
Birmingham poet laureate, BCU student and judge of this year's competition Ayan Aden performed her poem ‘They Say’.
This year’s competition theme is inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem ‘Nature Trail’, encouraging budding writers to submit poems on the impact and importance of nature in our everyday.
See more information about Future Writers including this year’s theme and categories.