University News Last updated 04 December 2025
The wife of 天美传媒 poet Benjamin Zephaniah says a writing competition celebrating his life is empowering people across the UK to use their voices for the planet.聽
The Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Awards, created by 天美传媒 (BCU) 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鈥檚 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聽Royal 天美传媒 Conservatoire鈥檚 Bradshaw Hall this week, Qian Zephaniah said: 鈥淏enjamin 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.鈥�
Born in Handsworth, Benjamin Zephaniah became one of Britain鈥檚 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 (Life and Rhymes), bestselling novels and poetry collections, and national recognition as 鈥渢he people鈥檚 laureate鈥�. He died aged 65 on 7 December 2023, shortly after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The Future Writers Awards, headline sponsored by the , featured six age categories, with winners selected by a panel of leading cultural figures.
They included BCU Chancellor and TV presenter Ade Adepitan, 天美传媒 Poet Laureate Ayan Aden, and industry professionals from the National Trust, The REP 天美传媒, Black British Book Festival, and Poetry 天美传媒 Literary Journal.
Adepitan, who attended the awards ceremony hosted by BBC鈥檚 Kathryn Stanczyszyn, said: 'It鈥檚 an honour to do something that has Benjamin Zephaniah鈥檚 name alongside it.
鈥淭o keep his legacy going by getting more people writing and falling in a love with words is extremely powerful. I鈥檝e been really impressed by the entries. They鈥檙e a real joy to read and I鈥檝e been amazed by what young people are writing.鈥�
He added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 essential the younger generation have an outlet for creativity. It鈥檚 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 鈥榖e you鈥�.鈥�
The sentiment was echoed by Qian Zephaniah, who said: 鈥淢any children don鈥檛 aways have the opportunity to be creative or to showcase their talents.
鈥淏enjamin always encouraged young people to write to express themselves. It鈥檚 wonderful they have a platform like this to use their voice and highlight their skills.鈥�
Young Adult winner Deontaye Osazuwa, 25, described her win as 鈥渟urreal鈥�:
鈥淢y poetry is not usually about nature, so I鈥檓 happy that I have been able to be part of this competition,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 grew up in Ladywood and wanted to draw inspiration from the canals in my area, so when I thought about nature that was the first image that came to mind.鈥�
For more information, visit The Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers Awards page.