Long time no write, friends. I’m glad to say I’m easing my way back into writing here more frequently, and what better way to start than with Black British History Month! October 1st marks the beginning of Black History Month in the UK, and as a Black British woman who grew up in a school system and broader culture that did not really acknowledge or observe it (or teach any Black history outside of the American Civil Rights Movement), I find myself excited that I get to choose to keep learning more about this rich yet under-shared history of Black people in Britain. And while I’m generally committed to learning more, heritage months are a wonderful opportunity to invite others (yes, you!) to begin their (your) own journey into learning more, too.
I have a tendency to want to do a deep dive into so many different sub-topics, because there are just so many interesting things to discuss, but I have resisted that urge! This year, I’ve decided to simplify the learning experience, for your sake and for mine: we will be learning Black British history through Black British literature. Taking 4 books, each focused on a moment in one century, we will explore the multitude of Black experiences and the complexity of Blackness in Britain from the 18th century through the 21st century. Not only will these books shed light on Black British history in their contents, but Black British fiction books are also part of burgeoning Black British history, and Black British authors are writing meaningful stories that often get overlooked in the publishing industry and the social media book space.
The Guardian published an article last autumn entitled: UK Publishing Less Accessible to Black Authors Now than before 2020, which highlights that Black workers make up less than 3% of the publishing industry and suggests that the 2020 interest in publishing Black authors was nothing more than a flash-in-the-pan. Cultural strategist at Hachette Publishing, Sharmaine Lovejoy, saw this firsthand and argues that: “The biggest mistake was seeing it as a trend as opposed to an opportunity to cultivate something meaningful that was missing.” This is a common issue with diversity programs. Many seek to solve a problem discreetly, in a few years, but few are dedicated to sustained, systemic change. This is as true of Black British history as it is of Black British fiction writers. So, it’s high time I used my corner of the internet to shine a light on both Black British history and Black British writers (especially, as I am one, even though I currently live in the US)!
The truth is, things are still changing. Despite these realities, the Black British Book Festival is in its 5th year (this Sunday at the Barbican Center) and is Europe’s BIGGEST event celebrating Black literature! Featuring panels with authors like Candice Carty-Williams, covering topics from rap as literature to honoring and discussing the tragic public attack of Black scholar Dr. Jason Arday. This is what we do: we make a way. Our resilience and perseverance has always made a way for us. So while I hope it gets easier, and systems shift to respect, value, and include Black writers more comprehensively, I know our stories will be told.
So, without further ado, you are cordially invited to learn Black British history through Black British literature alongside me this October. In case you want to read along, here are the books we will be reading:
18th Century: Incomparable World, by S.I. Martin (available in all formats)
19th Century: The Fraud, by Zadie Smith (available in all formats)
20th Century: Small Island, by Andrea Levy (available only on Kindle, or abridged audiobook- the audiobook is kind of awful)
21st Century: Maame, by Jessica George (available in all formats)
These books explore various experiences of Black people in Britain across history.
The Plan
Each week, I will post an article about that week’s book, reviewing it and/or diving into a historical topic mentioned or covered in the story. So check back here every Wednesday or Friday to learn more about these books and the history they dive into! Yes, you get extra credit for reading along (which is just being one of my favorite subscribers lol), but you don’t have to to enjoy these upcoming pieces- you can still learn from them! I’ll also be sharing a bit on Instagram each week too, so be sure to follow me there.
Let me know if you’ll be reading any of these along with me, or if you have read any of them before! See you back here next week for a discussion of Incomparable World, by S. I. Martin!
Welcome back, Abena. You went from a school system that stopped at the American Civil Rights Movement to teaching what it left out. Looking forward to your Incomparable World piece.