A Black Survivor

Acrylic on Canvas

40 x 50 cm

2025

A Black Survivor is a portrait of the incredibly authentic Benjamin Zephaniah. A poet who positively impacted many people with a multitude of talent in various forms. Regardless of the racist attacks he was subjected to throughout his lifetime, he was never discouraged from passionately speaking up on behalf of people from all walks of life. The fruitful legacy he has left will continue to illustrate the love he had for everybody.

“The poetry within me is not owned, yet it is a part of me, and once it is spoken it becomes a part of anyone who opens their mind and receives it. If misfortune, sickness and death will come to us all, then we should let some poetry into our lives to ease the pain.”

- Benjamin Zephaniah