The family of Gboyega Odubanjo, an award-winning poet who died after he went missing, is now planning to start a foundation.
The Odubanjo family said that they want a foundation that will support low-income Black writers.
Gboyega Family's Foundation for Low-Income Black Writers
Heartbroken that we’ve lost Gboyega Odubanjo. Can’t imagine the grief your love ones are feeling. Rest In Peace King. pic.twitter.com/GZ4wKB7ZPT
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) August 31, 2023
According to The Guardian's latest report, the Odubanjo family started fundraising for the foundation they want to establish.
This foundation will honor Gboyega, whose body was found after he went missing at a music festival in England.
On the GoFundMe website of Gboyega's family, their main goal is to raise £30,000 (over $37,000). As of writing, the donations they receive reached more than £39,000 (over $49,000).
But, since the GoFundMe page is still active, it looks like the family wants to get more donations. They explained that the foundation that they will establish will continue the legacy that the award-winning poet started.
"Gboyega gave support and mentorship to many developing artists; his contribution within the poetry community was invaluable," his family shared.
They added that Gboyega has been a "beacon of light" to many writers. By establishing the new Odubanjo Foundation, the poet's family will continue their beloved son's legacy by supporting low-income Black writers.
What Happened to Gboyega?
My beautiful best friend Gboyega Odubanjo, home in my heart and acclaimed poet, highly
— Tice Cin (@ticecin) September 1, 2023
anticipated novelist, the best son and brother. You know how I love you. I tell you all the
time. I will never stop making sure that the world sees how special you are.https://t.co/OzKjtvB967 pic.twitter.com/5AtvLgilf6
Sky News reported that Gboyega Odubanjo went missing from the Shambala festival in Northamptonshire England.
The 27-year-old poet was supposed to do a reading at the festival on Aug. 27. However, he wasn't able to arrive for his performance.
Authorities said that the Black writer was last seen at the event on Aug. 26 at around 4:00 a.m. His relatives said that they were worried because the disappearance of Gboyega was entirely out of character for the poet.
They added that it is unlikely for him to suddenly vanish. Because of this, they were worried for his well-being and safety.
Sadly, his lifeless body was found on Aug. 31 after the police conducted a search operation to find the man.
After checking the poet's body, authorities said that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
But, Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell clarified that Gboyega's death will remain a live investigation.
He warned that speculations would not be helpful in solving the man's death and would only affect his family.
Gboyega's relatives and friends were deeply saddened after knowing that the poet died.
They said that he was a beloved colleague, friend, and an incomparable poet.
Gboyega will be deeply remembered in the poetry community he helped during his lifetime.
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