Black History Month 2023: Resources
As we ‘Salute Our Sisters’ this month, it’s also an excellent opportunity to explore a wide range of resources that celebrate the wider contributions and experiences of Black individuals and communities in the UK. Here are some recommended resources to read and listen to for Black History Month 2023 in the UK:
Books:
“Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race” by Reni Eddo-Lodge: This thought-provoking book delves into the history of race and racism in the UK, offering essential insights into the contemporary Black British experience.
“The Good Immigrant” edited by Nikesh Shukla: This collection of essays by Black, Asian, and minority ethnic writers explores themes of identity, belonging, and diversity in modern Britain.
“Black and British: A Forgotten History” by David Olusoga: A comprehensive exploration of the long and rich history of Black people in Britain, from Roman times to the present day.
“Don’t Touch My Hair” by Emma Dabiri: A captivating examination of the history and significance of Black hair, its cultural importance, and the complex relationship Black individuals have with their hair.
Podcasts:
“About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge”: This podcast hosted by Reni Eddo-Lodge explores various aspects of race and racism in the UK, featuring thought-provoking discussions and interviews with experts.
“No Country For Young Women”: Hosted by Sadia Azmat and Monty Onanuga, this podcast delves into the experiences of young women of color in the UK, covering topics ranging from identity to relationships.
“Our Stories: Unstoppable Women”: Produced by the British Library, this series celebrates the lives and achievements of remarkable Black women from history.
Documentaries and Films:
“Black and British: A Forgotten History” (BBC): This documentary series, based on David Olusoga’s book of the same name, provides a visual exploration of Black history in Britain.
“Small Axe” (Amazon Prime Video): Directed by Steve McQueen, this anthology of films portrays the lives of Black individuals in London’s West Indian community from the 1960s to the 1980s.
“Black Nurses: The Women Who Saved the NHS” (BBC): This documentary sheds light on the contributions of Black nurses to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
Online Resources:
Black History Month UK (official website): Visit the official Black History Month UK website for a wealth of information, resources, and events happening throughout the month.
The Guardian’s “Race in Britain” Series: The Guardian newspaper has a dedicated series that covers various aspects of race and racism in the UK, featuring articles, opinion pieces, and in-depth reporting.
National Archives: Caribbean and African Roots: Explore the National Archives’ online resources that delve into the history of Caribbean and African communities in the UK.
These resources provide a starting point for your exploration of Black history and culture in the UK. They offer a diverse range of perspectives and insights to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the contributions of Black individuals and communities to British society.
