This Wednesday night I’ll be on stage at Sadller’s Wells to talk on why I accepted my OBE as pictured below. The discussion is held after a show called The Letter by Jonzi D about how he declined his. I’ll be sat alongside Omar Lye-Fook. He’ll also discuss why he accepted. The alternate view will be represented by Benjamin Zephaniah who like Jonzi declined his award. The mediator is broadcaster and journalist Brenda Emmanus.
I drove through the iconic gates at Buckingham Palace to receive my medal from the queen of England. What do you think? Should I have accepted? I’ll read out the most insightful comment on stage. At 4pm Monday 14th Oct you and I are informed this event is CANCELLED due to injury. The questions remain.
If you were as famous as the Beatles, who refused theirs, then refusing would have been a way of making your views more public.
But you are not as famous as the Beatles yet, and so accepting it was a way of speaking out.
I hope you were interviewed outside the palace and I hope you said,
‘It’s very nice, thank you, but I would rather have had my mother back, 45 years ago.’
It’s not accepting it that matters… it is what you DO WITH IT that matters… its not all the same.
obe stands for other buggers eforts !! mbe is my bloody efort !! this is why you should have refused
Hi Lemn, I simply want to congratulate you on your award. Having known you since you were 12 years old, and watched your life develop through your teens to the present day, I know that you deserve recognition for your many talents, your fighting spirit, and for your dedication to improving the cultural life of the UK. Plus of course, the International bonds that you have built across the World with so many talented people. You already had the respect and admiration of those of us who know you personally, and frankly you deserve this honour far more than politicians, singers, or the rich and famous!!