Diane Abbott has recalled one of Benjamin Zephaniah’s greatest actions – his rejection of an OBE in 2003 (‘A hero to millions’: Benjamin Zephaniah remembered by Michael Rosen, Kae Tempest and more, 7 December). He never sold out, remaining an anarchic activist until his tragically early death. He should also be remembered as a great cat lover, often mentioning his “cool tabby cat” Danny in poems and interviews.
Ralph Lloyd-Jones
Nottingham
• Benjamin Zephaniah was indeed a “friend of the marginalised”. A few years ago, he sported a T-shirt with the message “More blacks, more dogs, more Irish” on stage at the Whitby Musicport festival. I ordered my T-shirt the following day, and wear it regularly.
Ian Ferguson
Pickering, North Yorkshire
