Honouring a Legend: Black Dragon School at Benjamin Zephaniah Day

We’re proud to share that the Black Dragon School recently took part in a powerful and heartfelt community event Benjamin Zephaniah Day held at Brunel University, Uxbridge to honour the life, legacy, and spirit of the late poet, activist, and martial artist who meant so much to so many of us.

Shifu Clive Spring, alongside senior students Tess, Ruby, and Ned, represented our school with strength and grace, leading a Tai Chi performance and taster session that drew in a vibrant and diverse crowd. Among those who joined in was Qian, Benjamin’s wife, a deeply touching moment captured beautifully in the below photo.

As Tess and Ruby said:

“We grew up with Benjamin’s poetry and influence and upon meeting discovered, much to his delight, that we practiced the same styles of Kung fu and Tai Chi. We exchanged fists and energies and kept in contact from that day on.

It feels impossible that he is gone.”

(taken from an article from Kingsley Davis)

Our presence at the event wasn’t just a performance — it was a tribute. A tribute to Benjamin’s lifelong commitment to peace, resistance, cultural expression, and community upliftment. And through our movement, we honoured the spirit of unity, discipline, and empowerment that both Benjamin and the Black Dragon School stand for.

To read the full article and see more reflections and images, please visit Kingley’s page:
👉 https://kingsdavis.medium.com/the-inagural-benjamin-zephaniah-day-people-need-people-f335b85c79a3

Please also check out www.benjaminzephaniah.com where you can find out more about the day as well as Benjamin’s books, music and poetry.

Thank you to everyone who has been training, supporting, and sharing this journey with us.