Latest news with #CityofBirminghamMedal
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Benjamin Zephaniah given first city medal honour
The late writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah will be the first recipient of a medal created to honour Birmingham residents. The Handsworth-born actor, whose work often addressed themes of racism, inequality and human rights, died in 2023 aged 65, after being diagnosed with a brain tumour. The city council has now approved proposals to posthumously confer upon Zephaniah the City of Birmingham Medal, in a move to celebrate his achievements. Sharon Thompson, deputy council leader, said he was a "proud Brummie and a man of compassion who never forgot the community that shaped him". The council created the medal in April 2023. Ms Thompson told Tuesday's full council meeting that when Zephaniah died, she made a promise to his family the city "would honour him in a significant way". "It's fitting he is the first recipient of this medal because he spent his whole life breaking new ground." The authority agreed it should consult with Zephaniah's family to make arrangements for awarding the medal within 12 months. Giving a statement on behalf of family this month, his brother Tippa Naphtali said following Zephaniah's death, his family were approached by "many individuals, organisations and institutions who wanted to stage events or initiatives in his memory". The family worked with more than 45 such parties nationally in the year following his passing, he added. "Such was the strength of feeling in Birmingham, we have worked (and are still working) with third parties on a number of legacy projects." Mr Naphtali said up to his death Zephaniah remained committed to doing everything he could to promote the city "on a national and international stage". The poet was "passionate about giving the city the recognition and national profile" it deserved, he added. Conservative councillor Darius Sandhu said Zephaniah "was a force that never forgot where he came from". And Roger Harmer, Liberal Democrat leader at the council, stated the poet grew up in a time of huge challenges, such as racism, inequality and the struggles of working class life. "He turned them into fuel for his art," he said. "His poetry reflects the rhythms of Birmingham's streets." Green Party councillor Julien Pritchard said he had been inspired by Zephaniah's sense of hope and justice. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Black Sabbath and Zephaniah considered for city honours First tree planted in memory of Benjamin Zephaniah Benjamin Zephaniah Day to honour poet and activist Blue plaque honour to poet and activist unveiled Local Democracy Reporting Service Birmingham City Council
BBC News
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Proud Brummie' Benjamin Zephaniah remembered by first city medal
The late writer and poet Benjamin Zephaniah will be the first recipient of a medal created to honour Birmingham residents. The Handsworth-born actor, whose work often addressed themes of racism, inequality and human rights, died in 2023 aged 65, after being diagnosed with a brain city council has now approved proposals to posthumously confer upon Zephaniah the City of Birmingham Medal, in a move to celebrate his Thompson, deputy council leader, said he was a "proud Brummie and a man of compassion who never forgot the community that shaped him". The council created the medal in April Thompson told Tuesday's full council meeting that when Zephaniah died, she made a promise to his family the city "would honour him in a significant way"."It's fitting he is the first recipient of this medal because he spent his whole life breaking new ground."The authority agreed it should consult with Zephaniah's family to make arrangements for awarding the medal within 12 a statement on behalf of family this month, his brother Tippa Naphtali said following Zephaniah's death, his family were approached by "many individuals, organisations and institutions who wanted to stage events or initiatives in his memory".The family worked with more than 45 such parties nationally in the year following his passing, he added."Such was the strength of feeling in Birmingham, we have worked (and are still working) with third parties on a number of legacy projects."Mr Naphtali said up to his death Zephaniah remained committed to doing everything he could to promote the city "on a national and international stage". The poet was "passionate about giving the city the recognition and national profile" it deserved, he added. Conservative councillor Darius Sandhu said Zephaniah "was a force that never forgot where he came from".And Roger Harmer, Liberal Democrat leader at the council, stated the poet grew up in a time of huge challenges, such as racism, inequality and the struggles of working class life."He turned them into fuel for his art," he said. "His poetry reflects the rhythms of Birmingham's streets."Green Party councillor Julien Pritchard said he had been inspired by Zephaniah's sense of hope and justice. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Guardian
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Ozzy Osbourne ‘very proud' as Birmingham to honour Black Sabbath
Being awarded the Freedom of Birmingham 'means a lot' to Ozzy Osbourne and the members of Black Sabbath, Sharon Osbourne has said, as the city council is prepares to approve the honour. Ozzy, alongside the founding band members, Tony Iommi, Terence Butler and Bill Ward, will be given the honorary title in recognition of their service to the city, with councillors expected to give the go ahead on Tuesday. The council is also set to approve the posthumous award of the City of Birmingham Medal to the late poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, for his 'unique and distinguished contribution' to the field of literature and for his charitable and community work. Sharon Osbourne said her husband was 'very proud' to receive the honour. 'It means a lot to him, it really does, to be recognised from his home. He's very excited,' she told BBC Radio West Midlands. 'He couldn't quite believe it, he thought I was winding him up. He said: 'Really, me? But I've been in prison!'.' In a statement, Ozzy Osbourne said he was 'honoured and shocked' to receive the honour. 'I'm a proud Brummie from Aston through and through. I'm still amazed to this day that no one outside of Birmingham can understand a word I say, but that's always made me laugh,' he said. 'My only regret is that my mom and dad are not here to see what I became. Birmingham for ever!' Black Sabbath, which have sold more than 75m albums worldwide, were formed in 1968 in Aston, Birmingham and are considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time. The band have a bench in their honour in the centre of Birmingham. A large mechanical bull from 2022 Commonwealth Games, on display in New Street station, was named Ozzy after a public vote. Sharon added her husband was 'dying to come home' from the US and live in Birmingham, but health setbacks meant that plans to do so had fallen through. 'He really, really wants to come home and that's what been a bit tough, because each time he's made arrangements to come, something happens,' she said. 'We're not home here. It's not where we're from, it's not what we are. People here have been fantastic to Ozzy, but it's not his home.' She said they were donating Ozzy's awards and platinum discs to a museum in Birmingham: 'It belongs in Birmingham, it needs to stay in Birmingham,' she said. 'He owes so much to Birmingham, it's his blood, that's who he is.. If he'd have been was born anywhere else, he wouldn't be the story that it is today, so he totally embraces his history and what Birmingham means to him.' The Crown pub, where Black Sabbath played their first gig, was given listed status last year after falling into disrepair in recent years, and there have been calls for a permanent museum commemorating heavy metal music in the region.
