People Are Remembering Benjamin Zephaniah's Reasons For Rejecting OBE As They Reflect On His Legacy
Benjamin Zephaniah pictured in 2021
The world of British literature is in mourning following the news that writer Benjamin Zephaniah has died at the age of 65.
On Thursday morning, the poet, author and Peaky Blinders actor’s family shared the news of his death in a statement, which read: “It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the death of our beloved husband, son and brother in the early hours of this morning. Benjamin was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight weeks ago.
“Benjamin’s wife was by his side throughout and was with him when he passed. We shared him with the world and we know many will be shocked and saddened by this news.”
— Professor Benjamin Zephaniah (@BZephaniah) December 7, 2023
“Benjamin was a true pioneer and innovator, he gave the world so much,” the statement continued. “Through an amazing career including a huge body of poems, literature, music, television and radio, Benjamin leaves us with a joyful and fantastic legacy.
“Thank you for the love you have shown Professor Benjamin Zephaniah.”
Since the news broke on Thursday morning, fans of Benjamin’s have been celebrating his life and achievements, as well as reflecting on his legacy.
Many have also been remembering his quotes about turning down the offer to be made an OBE two decades ago.
Benjamin first wrote in The Guardian back in 2003: “Me? I thought, OBE me? Up yours, I thought.
“I get angry when I hear that word ‘empire’; it reminds me of slavery, it reminds of thousands of years of brutality, it reminds me of how my foremothers were raped and my forefathers brutalised.
“It is because of this concept of empire that my British education led me to believe that the history of black people started with slavery and that we were born slaves, and should therefore be grateful that we were given freedom by our caring white masters. It is because of this idea of empire that black people like myself don’t even know our true names or our true historical culture.”
“Benjamin Zephaniah OBE – no way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen,” he added. “I am profoundly anti-empire.”
The late poet repeated this belief during an interview on The Big Narstie Show in 2020.
Benjamin Zephaniah on his refusal to accept an OBE.
'No way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire.'
Rest in power. pic.twitter.com/FgSsth8TaQ— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) December 7, 2023
He explained at the time: “The OBE means ‘order of the British empire’. MBE is ‘member of the British empire’. I’ve been fighting against ‘empire’ all my life. I’ve been fighting against slavery and colonialism all my life.
“I’ve been writing to connect with people, not to impress governments and the monarchy. So, how can I then go and accept an honour that puts the word ‘empire’ onto my name? That would be hypocritical.”
Both of these quotes are among those that are being shared by his fans on social media in the wake of his death:
"The OBE means Order of the British Empire.. I've been fighting against Empire all my life, I've been fighting against slavery and colonialism all my life.. so how can I then accept an honour that puts the word Empire onto my name? "
-Benjamin Zephaniah pic.twitter.com/YwMM6CiEMV— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 7, 2023
"My obsession is about the future and the political rights of all people. Benjamin Zephaniah OBE - no way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire."
Rest in peace Benjamin Zephaniah, gone far, far too soon. pic.twitter.com/VbV81qKrSz— Marcus Barnett (@marcusbarnett_) December 7, 2023
Rest in power Benjamin Zephaniah ~ you will be deeply missed.
‘Writing to connect with people, not to impress government.’ ✊🏾#restinpowerhttps://t.co/2oUVi2SfDY— Rina Mushonga (@rinamushonga) December 7, 2023
A real one. Others take note ! https://t.co/n6OcoowCIB
— 🇧🇧🏳️🌈 🇵🇸 m a r c u s (@marcusxdusty) December 7, 2023
Benjamin Zephaniah on why he rejected an OBE from the British government 👏 pic.twitter.com/c3eXWQp6A8
— Ali (@RoyMustang786) December 7, 2023
The legendary poet, Benjamin Zephaniah (1958–2023) died.
He once rejected the OBE “honour” from the Queen, saying: ‘Me? I thought, OBE me? Up yours, I thought. I get angry when I hear that word "empire"; it reminds me of slavery, it reminds me of thousands of years of brutality’ pic.twitter.com/SYlf8hVg96— Aziz Mahdi 🌍 (@AMAGuudcadde) December 7, 2023
Benjamin Zephaniah has always been a huge inspiration to me, through his writing, his humour and his integrity. The world has lost a very special man https://t.co/2kk9KTDwT7
— Rhianna Dhillon (@RhiannaDhillon) December 7, 2023
"My obsession is about the future and the political rights of all people. Benjamin Zephaniah OBE - no way Mr Blair, no way Mrs Queen. I am profoundly anti-empire."
Gutted to hear of the passing of one of the greats far, far too young. pic.twitter.com/HtBZym8d6G— Heather Parry (@HeatherParryUK) December 7, 2023
'Me? I thought, OBE me? Up yours, I thought' | Books | The Guardian
Rest Easy, Benjamin ✊🏾 https://t.co/WKnrotizsM— tiny timb. (@SAMIAFIASCO) December 7, 2023
RIP Benjamin Zephaniah, extraordinary dub poet, musician & writer.
A vegan who turned down an OBE, he was also an activist who spoke out about eg. homophobia in Jamaica, & wrote & performed some brilliant, revolutionary poetry.
The world is a poorer place today with his passing. https://t.co/egcaionheB— Carl Loben 💙 🇺🇦 (@CarlLoben) December 7, 2023
I think reading about Benjamin Zephaniah rejecting an OBE when I was a teenager was probably the first thing that got me thinking about the British Empire in that way, as something not just in the past, but something that still hangs over our present day.
— Tom Hatfield (@WordMercenary) December 7, 2023
RIP Benjamin Zephaniah. Legend ❤️ https://t.co/u4whwArrNS
— WESLEY JOSEPH (@wesleyjoseph__) December 7, 2023
Benjamin Zephaniah published his first work of poetry, Pen Rhythm, in 1980.
Over the years, he received the BBC’s Young Playwright’s Award, as well as honorary doctorates from a number of prestigious universities.
As well as his written works, Benjamin was also a musician and actor, most recently playing in a string of episodes of the BBC drama Peaky Blinders.