The wife of Birmingham poet Benjamin Zephaniah says a writing competition celebrating his life is empowering people across the UK to use their voices for the planet.
The Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Awards, created by Birmingham City University with the support of Qian Zephaniah, returned for its second year in 2025 - this time shining a spotlight on the environment and climate.
Inspired by Zephaniah’s poem, 'Nature Trail', young and emerging writers were invited to explore their relationship with the natural world, from the environments where they live to the importance of protecting the planet for future generations.
Speaking at the awards ceremony at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Bradshaw Hall this week, Qian said: “Benjamin used his works to encourage people to protect the environment, but also to help restore it and allow it flourish.
"He hoped his legacy would encourage others to share more love and care for the world around.”
Born in Handsworth, Benjamin Zephaniah became one of Britain’s most influential cultural figures - a poet, writer, actor, musician and activist who used his voice to champion equality, compassion and environmental justice.
His many achievements include a BAFTA-winning TV programme, bestselling novels and poetry collections, and national recognition as “the people’s laureate”. He died aged 65 on 7 December 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The Future Writers Awards, headline sponsored by the National Trust, featured six age categories, with winners selected by a panel of leading cultural figures.
They included BCU Chancellor and TV presenter Ade Adepitan, Birmingham Poet Laureate Ayan Aden, and industry professionals from the National Trust, The REP Birmingham, Black British Book Festival, and Poetry Birmingham Literary Journal.
Ade said: 'It’s an honour to do something that has Benjamin Zephaniah’s name alongside it. To keep his legacy going by getting more people writing and falling in a love with words is extremely powerful.
"I’ve been really impressed by the entries. They’re a real joy to read and I’ve been amazed by what young people are writing.
“It’s essential the younger generation have an outlet for creativity. It’s a sign of a healthy society to express your feelings, especially through words. We need to give kids permission to be creative and to encourage them to ‘be you’.”
For more information, visit bcu.ac.uk/future-writers.
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