A new mural celebrating the life and activism of late writer, poet and actor Benjamin Zephaniah is set to be unveiled at a park in Birmingham.
"Proud Brummie" Zephaniah, from Handsworth, died at the age of 65 in December, eight weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. The artwork, commissioned by Black Heritage Walks Network (BHWN) and created by artist Bunny Bread, will be unveiled at Handsworth Park.
Completed in March, the mural has been installed on one side of the Sons of Rest building and will celebrate Zephaniah as "the people's champion" of the area. Dawn Carr, historian from Black History Arts & More, worked closely with the artist, the local community and Zephaniah's family on the project.
Speaking ahead of the unveiling, she said Zephaniah had shown love and creativity, courage and humanity and that he was more than a poet. “Benjamin Zephaniah was a son of Handsworth grassroots community and resistance," she said.
"He was always humble and an advocate of the poor and oppressed." Artist Bunny Bread, from Create Not Destroy, said Zephaniah was all about the cause and the people at a time where others were about getting followers and likes.
"Benjamin really stood for the people, when you listen to his music and his poetry, his causes were always in front of him," Bunny said. A ceremony to unveil the new mural will take place at the Sons of Rest building in Handsworth Park from 15:00 BST on 14 April, a BHWN spokesperson said.
The artwork comes after another mural featuring Zephaniah was revealed by easyJet at Birmingham Airport earlier in March.
