A striking new mural honouring the life and legacy of the late renowned poet and proud Brummie Benjamin Zephaniah has been unveiled in the gardens of Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham.
The artwork, created by an anonymous artist, replaces an earlier tribute in Hockley that was mistakenly painted over. The family went on to choose the gardens of Acorns in Birmingham as the new location for the memorial, a place that held deep meaning for Benjamin who was a spirited Patron of the charity.
The unveiling brought together members of Benjamin’s family, Acorns patrons and ambassadors, and employees for a heartfelt celebration of his life and unwavering support for the charity.
Benjamin was a long-standing and devoted supporter of Acorns, giving his time to raise awareness and vital funds for its work. His dedication to the charity led him to become an official patron in 2021 – a role he embraced with genuine joy and deep pride.
Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive of Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “Benjamin Zephaniah was more than a poet – he was a powerful voice for justice, creativity and countless causes close to his heart. We were so fortunate to have him as a patron and a friend of Acorns.
“This beautiful mural is not just a tribute to his extraordinary life, but also offers a space for reflection, togetherness and connection. It’s a place where his family and the community can remember not only Benjamin, but other loved ones no longer with us.
“Benjamin believed greatly in the ethos of Acorns, not only as a place of expert clinical care, but also a place of love, dignity and cherished memory-making for children and families facing the most difficult circumstances. He once encapsulated his sentiments about Acorns in an article for The Guardian: ‘I have rarely been to a place where love, happiness and joy were so abundant. I have never felt a hint of doom or gloom.’
“One of Benjamin’s most memorable visits took place in December 2019, when he shared poetry and stories with families at our Black Country hospice. More than a brilliant poet, Benjamin was a magnetic speaker, whose voice and ability to connect left a lasting impression on all who met him.
“His presence and voice will always be remembered at Acorns with great affection. We are immensely proud to honour his memory with this mural.”
The atmosphere was one of celebration and remembrance on the day, with guests moved to tears during the unveiling. Words were heard from Acorns Chief Executive, Trevor Johnson, Benjamin’s brother, Tippa Naphtali, and Acorns President, Kay Alexander MBE.
Tippa Naphtali, Benjamin’s brother, said: "This project has been a real mission of passion for Benjamin's siblings ever since the original public mural that appeared in Hockley shortly after his death was painted over by Council contractors to our utter dismay.
"Subsequently working with the Council and contractors it was agreed to reinstate the mural, but we thought that a better and more meaningful location would be at Acorns Children's Hospice of which Benjamin was a patron for a number of years.
"We are so excited about the unveiling of this mural which will be a long term memorial to our brother, and a fitting and inspirational presence for the children and families that Acorns supports.”
After the unveiling, Benjamin’s brother, Tippa, graciously presented a painted canvas of Benjamin to the hospice, a number of which are being sold with all proceeds going directly to Acorns.
Dotted around the hospice gardens were also small plaques created by some of the children in the hospice, each displaying a verse from Benjamin’s children’s poem, ‘Nature Trail’.
Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care.
This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.
Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.
You can donate to Acorns today by visiting acorns.org.uk/donate.
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