The University of Birmingham's Race Equality Network have been working with the family of Benjamin Zephaniah to establish an annual lecture in his name and we are delighted to announce that our speaker for the inaugural Benjamin Zephaniah Community Lecture is George the Poet.
George the Poet is a London-born spoken word performer of Ugandan heritage. His innovative brand of musical poetry has won him critical acclaim both as a recording artist and social commentator and seen his work broadcast to billions of people worldwide. In 2019, his audio offering ‘Have You Heard George’s Podcast?’ won a prestigious Peabody Award and 5 Gold British Podcast Awards, including the highly-coveted Podcast of the Year.
More accolades followed in the years to come, including an NME Award, two Gold ARIAS, three New York Festival Awards and more. In 2021 The University of London presented George with an honorary doctorate in literature. George is now embarking on a PhD at UCL'S Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, under the supervision of the institute's founder, Mariana Mazzucato, and Reader in Educational Leadership At UCL's Institute Of Education, Dr. Karen Edge. His research focuses on the socio-economic potential of black music.
George is an esteemed and well-respected social activist whose innovative brand of encouraging people to explore their ideas and experiences has propelled him as a captivating speaker on politics, economic progress and social power.
This will be an in-conversation style event, where George the Poet will be discussing a wide range of topics with our host, Lorraine Mighty.
Lorraine Mighty (she/her) is a Black Country-bred, Birmingham-based writer of Jamaican heritage. She is also a qualified coach and mentor, learning facilitator and organisational development specialist. Her written work includes journal articles, book chapters, and poetry. Lorraine’s poetry explores the interconnectivity and impact of relationships with self, others and systems. Her poems have been published in the Youth Hostels Association Outside Voices project, and the anthology Where We Find Ourselves published by Arachne Press. In 2023, she was selected to participate in the Open House Writers Programme funded by Arts Council England and Hosking Houses Trust. In 2024, she was selected to join the 2024-2025 intake of Room 204 - Writing West Midlands’ writer development programme.
This annual lecture will be open to staff, students, and members of the public, reflecting the community values of Benjamin Zephaniah and the civic duty of the University of Birmingham.
This a ticketed event with a very limited number of tickets, so please sign up quickly to avoid disappointment.
