Handsworth Park in Birmingham became the canvas for a vibrant tribute to the late poet Benjamin Zephaniah, as a colourful mural was unveiled on Sunday, 14 April. The artwork has quickly become a focal point for the community, drawing visitors from near and far.
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00:00 A colourful painting depicting the late poet Benjamin Sefenay was revealed to the public in Hansworth Park on Sunday 14 April.
00:07 The painting was created by Edenton artist, bunny bread and cartoonist, Hunt Emerson on the historic Sunset West building.
00:15 It pays tribute to Sefenay from Hansworth who died aged 65 of a brain tumour in December 2023.
00:21 We visited Hansworth Park to hear what this piece means to the Hansworth locals.
00:26 I think it's like a really beautiful piece and I think it really like adds a lot of light and life to the park.
00:32 The reason why we've initially come to see it is because my son also passed away from a brain tumour earlier this year
00:38 and one of the artists who helped contribute on part of the piece, she actually did my son's casket as well.
00:45 So we just came to show a lot of love and support for an amazing poet and an amazing writer who has changed the lives of so many people.
00:54 Because even mummy did some work on Benjamin Sefenay when I was at school as well which is about a good 12-13 years ago now.
01:02 So it's really nice to see that his legacy is able to live on very well.
01:07 And his legacy has definitely lived on.
01:10 Eleven who currently lives in Warsaw travelled to Hansworth Park just to see the artwork first hand.
01:15 The piece also attracted many other visitors including the bodywood singer, Tony.
01:20 This piece is most commonly in this time because everywhere in this world there's a different culture everywhere.
01:27 But the only thing is if there's no peace then there's no need for a culture, no need for anything like in our culture there's a Gurudwara, Hindu temple, everywhere is there.
01:38 But if there's no peace then everything is finished, nothing is. So we need peace everywhere.
01:45 Located in an area where cultural diversity and varied livelihoods take centre stage, this piece is deeply admired within the community.
01:54 The artwork features portraits of Benjamin along with his powerful quotes.
01:58 As an advocate for literature and art in the city and across Britain, it instils a bromance and self-pride in being part of Hansworth.
02:07 Painting is very good but the message is more than whatever they want to see.
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