Major mural honouring poet to be unveiled at city park
AMAJOR new mural commemorating the life and activism of Benjamin Zephaniah will be unveiled next month at Handsworth Park in celebration of the poet’s “extraordinary legacy”.
The new artwork, commissioned by Black Heritage Walks Network, celebrates Zephaniah’s stature as “a prophet and a role model for all”. Peaky Blinders poet and star Zephaniah, from Handsworth, died aged 65 in December 2023 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Writers, poets, musicians and politicians posted tributes to him on social media following the news.
The new mural will fill one side of the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park with an unveiling ceremony set to take place on Sunday, April 14. The designers of the mural say the new artwork will celebrate Zephaniah as “The People’s Champion” of the area.
The new mural will be completed by internationally renowned artist Bunny Bread. Dawn Carr, local historian of Black History Arts & More worked closely with the artist, the local community and Benjamin’s family to make the project happen. Speaking ahead of the unveiling she said: “Benjamin Zephaniah was a son of Handsworth grassroots community and resistance. He showed endless love and creativity, courage and humanity. He was always humble and an advocate of the poor and oppressed.
“Benjamin was more than a poet, he was a true king, a warrior, a prophet and a role model for all men, regardless of background.”
Shuranjeet Singh, lead for the Soho and Handsworth Neighbourhood Planning Forum, said he hoped the mural would be “the first of many ways to recognise and uplift the work of Benjamin Zephaniah in the local area”.
Speaking for the Friends of Handsworth Park, chair of trustees Ed Freshwater said: “Benjamin – through his works, his words, his activism and his unstoppable passion – represented all that is great about Handsworth. His poetry had a rhythm and language that’s familiar to us all, in our homes and our streets, so influenced by the many cultures in our community. Handsworth Park is a place where our community comes to breathe, to celebrate, and to be inspired. We are all so proud to celebrate Benjamin’s extraordinary legacy with this mural, and look forward to many more commemorations of his legacy.”
It comes after a new mural was unveiled at Birmingham Airport this month to welcome passengers to the city.
Faces, including Zephaniah, rocker Ozzy Osbourne and an 11-year-old fundraising hero, will welcome tourists to the second city.