Intelligence Squared Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah
Dec 8, 2023
In this heartfelt discussion, the late Benjamin Zephaniah, a celebrated poet and activist, reflects on his transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in Birmingham to becoming a powerful voice for social justice. He shares vivid anecdotes about his large family and the chaos of his childhood, while exploring themes of racial identity and resilience. Zephaniah passionately discusses his defiance against societal violence, his embrace of veganism as a personal expression, and the role of poetry in fostering independent thought among the youth.
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Early Career Aspiration
- Zephaniah's career aspiration as a poet was met with ridicule in the Boys' Brigade.
- He was asked if he had ever seen a poet skin a rabbit.
Playground Poetry
- Zephaniah honed his rhyming skills during playground games like kiss chase.
- He traded poems for kisses, which eventually led to trouble with multiple 'girlfriends'.
Early Activism and Racism
- Influenced by figures like Angela Davis, Zephaniah's activism started early, leading to school suspension for Black Power symbols on his trousers.
- A racist attack at age six further fueled his determination to fight injustice.