October 1 marks the start of Black History Month in the UK. A time to commemorate Black history, celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black people in UK, and educate ourselves on the struggles and joys of Black culture.
Black History Month is celebrated across the world, although in different months (for example in February in the US), as an opportunity to reflect on the past while striving towards a better, less prejudiced future. There will be lots of events going on to mark it – from foodie and music festivals, to informative talks and workshops.
Picking up a book – whether fiction or non-fiction – is a great way to learn more about Black history and be part of the discussions around race, identity and Britain.
When is Black History Month?
The month-long celebration runs from October 1 – 31.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is a time for celebration and recognition of Black heritage and culture. It is an annual observance which originated in the US in 1969, and lasts for a month.
We’ve rounded up some of the best books to read for Black History Month…
The Mixed-Race Experience by Naomi and Natalie Evans
Sisters and founders of the anti-racist advocacy platform Everyday Racism – Naomi and Natalie Evans – bring a thought-provoking and educational book about what it means to be biracial in today’s society.
Featuring personal anecdotes of growing up in Britain, interviews with others from mixed backgrounds and relationships, practical advice, and extensive research, The Mixed-Race Experience aims to challenge and inspire readers to help debunk stereotypes and common false myths.
Learn about the complexities of mixed-race identities, take comfort in relating to the stories, and confront racism in your sphere.
Buy now £12.09, Amazon
People Person by Candice Carty-Williams
Candice Carty-Williams, the bestselling author of Queenie (another must-read novel tackling subjects of race, class and mental health), will have you laughing out loud with her comical, light-hearted new novel.
Follow the journey of five half-siblings as they come together after years apart, meeting as adults at a time of crisis – all they remember is driving through Brixton in their dad’s gold Jeep. Funny and eye-opening on sibling relationships, the novel goes deeper with its subtext, showing the inequalities Black people experience every day as well as highlighting the struggle to find a sense of belonging.
Buy now £9.44, Amazon
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
‘Seven days to fall in love, fifteen years to forget, and seven days to get it all back again…’ Follow the romance between two writers Eva and Shane who meet in New York during summer – they met before, 15 years ago and fell deeply in love – now they have to pretend to be strangers.
A love story full of hope, joy and witty moments, there is also an exploration of the complications surrounding Black identity and race.
Buy now £7.49, Amazon
The Black History Book by DK
Discover the struggles and triumphs of Black communities around the world with DK’s educational book, covering important milestones in Black and African history.
From the ancient world to the present day, broaden your understanding of topics such as colonisation, civil rights and the Atlantic slave trade with facts, timelines and graphs, as well as visual illustrations and graphics to help explain further.
Buy now £15.42, Amazon
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vignes twin sisters may be born into the same set of circumstances – a small black community in the Deep South – but how they both escape it at 16 becomes very different. From their families, communities and racial identities, the sisters lead totally separate lives, one living with her Black daughter in her same childhood town, the other identifying as white with a husband who knows nothing about her past. The Vanishing Half is an emotional novel, looking into the influence of one’s origins and past on future decisions and desires.
Buy now £7.49, Waterstones
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
Layla F Saad encourages readers to ‘recognise your privilege, combat racism and change the world’. Following the success of her Instagram challenge #MeAndWhiteSupremacy where she asked people to own up and share their racist behaviours, Saad created this book, leading readers into understanding white privilege, unconscious racism, and how to change. Featuring historical and cultural contexts, moving stories, and exercises to transform behaviours, this book will encourage you to do better.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
Author, journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch explores race, identity and belonging in 21st-century Britain with her captivating and eye-opening book Brit(ish). She touches on personal experiences and challenges society, questioning just what exactly it means to be British and why we as a nation are in denial about our imperial past.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
The Uncomfortable Truth About Racism by John Barnes
Former professional footballer John Barnes moved to the UK after living in Jamaica for the first 12 years of his life. He became the country’s most prominent black footballer, playing for Liverpool, Watford and England and has written his book to showcase the ongoing battle of racial prejudices, with personal experiences included. His writing aims to inform readers of the country’s past, present and future while encouraging change.
Buy now £7.98, Amazon
Mixed/Other by Natalie Morris
Natalie Morris shines the light on what it means to be mixed-race in the UK today with her book Mixed/Other. From job applications and the workplace, to dating and fitting into society’s expectations, she explores the impacts and struggles of being mixed-race in everyday life, and working out where to fit in.
Through powerful interviews, extensive research and real-life personal experiences, learn first-hand about her identity crisis and be encouraged to ditch any preconcieved stereotypes.
Buy now £7.43, Amazon
Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Spark the conversation about race in Britain today with Reni Eddo-Lodge’s highly impactful book. Use it as your essential handbook and deepen your understanding of Black history – from white dominance and eradicated pasts to the links between class, race and identity. This book kickstarted a national conversation when it was first published and is a must-read during Black History month.
Buy now £7.69, Amazon
