Poetry and short stories competition launches in memory of Benjamin Zephaniah

University News Last updated 06 September

Benjamin Zephaniah plaque unveiling with Luke Perry, Professor Harris Beider, Qian Zephaniah, Millicent Springer

To honour the life and work of honorary doctorate Benjamin Zephaniah, Birmingham City University (BCU) has launched the Future Writers competition to encourage writers and poets to explore their literary talents. 

The competition was announced during the unveiling of a commemorative plaque produced by local Midland’s artist and BCU alumnus Luke Perry which highlights Benjamin’s love of the natural world.

 
BCU PRESENTS: FUTURE WRITERS COMPETITION

Birmingham City University

The plaque was accompanied by the planting of a ceremonial tree on BCU’s city centre campus.

Attending the ceremony, Benjamin’s wife, Qian Zephaniah, spoke about the impact of her late husband’s work: “Forward Ever, Backward Never, this was what Benjamin would always say.

“Even though he is no longer with us, life moves forward and carries on through Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers competition.” 

Professor Harris Beider, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Engagement, Enterprise and Innovation at Birmingham City University, hopes the competition will help reignite local pride: “It’s vital that we recognise Benjamin’s role as a BCU honorary doctorate by creating opportunities for future writers.

“Benjamin’s work took inspiration from Birmingham which brought joy and happiness to multiple generations of Brummies. We hope that the Future Writers competition will continue this tradition and encourage people feel proud of their own communities.”

The Future Writers competition is open to six categories including primary and secondary school children, and adults.

This year, the inaugural theme has been inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem "People Need People.” Benjamin wrote the piece at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdown measures made people feel socially isolated.  

Judges are encouraging both school students and adults to submit stories and poems that explore their connection to their communities.  

Winners in each category will receive a pair of tickets to Birmingham’s Literature Festival 2025, Birmingham REP tickets, an Amazon Kindle, and vouchers to spend at The Heath Bookshop in Kings Heath.  

An esteemed panel of judges, including, Professor Gregory Leadbetter (Professor of Poetry), Naush Sabah (Lecturer in Creative Writing and Editor of Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal), Casey Bailey (BCU Alumnus and former Birmingham Poet Laureate), Catherine Gale (BCU Alumna and Owner of The Heath Bookshop), Jonathan Davidson (CEO of Writing West Midlands) and Madeleine Kludje (Associate Director at The REP Birmingham) will decide the winning entries.  

Winnerswill also receive a framed piece of their poem and a book of Benjamin's poetry, and have their winning entries included in the Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Winners' Anthology published by Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal (PBLJ).   

For more information and to submit your entry, visit the dedicated Future Writers webpage.

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