New Benjamin Zephaniah mural complete after lost Hockley art destroyed

A talented artist has made the final touches to a stunning mural depicting Benjamin Zephaniah. The colourful wall painting of the late poet will be unveiled to the public in Handsworth Park on Sunday, April 14.

Its full unveiling will be greatly received after a previous mural of the activist and Peaky Blinders star was destroyed 'in error' by council contractors. The lost Hockley mural was dedicated to Zephaniah who died aged 65 of a brain tumour in December 2023.

Zephaniah, from Handsworth, was remembered fondly by people around the world following his death. The legacy he leaves behind will be remembered, Friends of Handsworth Park said.

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The new artwork, on the side of the historic Sons of Rest building, was spray-painted by artist Bunny Bread to celebrate the poet’s 'extraordinary legacy'. It was commissioned by Black Heritage Walks Network.

Dawn Carr, a local historian at Black History Arts and More worked closely with the artist, people in the community and Zephaniah's family to make the project happen. She said: “He 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."

Bunny added: "Benjamin really stood for the people. When you listen to his music and his poetry, his causes were always in front of him. In a time where people are about getting followers and likes, he was always about the cause and the people."

Shuranjeet Singh, lead for Soho and Handsworth Neighbourhood Planning Forum, said he hoped this would be "the first of many ways to recognise and uplift the work of Zephaniah in the local area".

Speaking on behalf of 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.

"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."

An unveiling ceremony will take place at the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park from 3pm on Sunday, April 14.