Benjamin Zephaniah fans asked to plant flowers in his memory

nme.com:

passed away on Wednesday, December 8 at the age of 65. The news of his death was announced via an update on his Instagram page.

His death came eight weeks after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed,” the post read. “We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much,” it added. “Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy”.According to an X/Twitter post, the poet will be laid to rest at a small family funeral today, December 28.#benjaminzplantz pic.twitter.com/2y9s07vaxG— Professor Benjamin Zephaniah (@BZephaniah) December 28, 2023The post read: “Today is Professor Benjamin Zephaniah’s funeral day.

We know a lot of people want to show respect to him but cannot join his funeral. As Benjamin does not like flowers without roots, we recommend that if you want to, please plant something like flowers, trees or any plants you want to, anywhere you wish, name them as Benjamin Zephaniah in memory of him.”It also added that supporters can also donate to the charities The Vegan Society or Inquest, which helps bereaved families of people who have died in police custody or prison, immigration detention, mental health settings or where there have been failings by the state.Zephaniah rose to fame throughout the ‘80s – most famous for his poetry works which often touched upon topics such as race and the British legal system.

By the ‘90s, he was considered one of the most influential voices in the UK.His first book Pen Rhythm was published in 1980,.