A bookshop in Lewisham have compiled an all-ages list of essential books related to Black History and issues for the ongoing Black History Month this October.
Meera Ghanshamdas and Jasmine Dellimore from the indie book shop Moon Lane Books in Lewisham were asked by Lewisham Council to draw up a list of essential reads for BHM recently, and they produced a remarkable list broken up into three age tiers.
"Though we firmly believe that black history should not be confined to one month and should be taught throughout the year, we also recognise that this is a time to amplify a dialogue that can be continued all year round," the pair said in a statement posted to the council website.
Sancho was part of the cultural scene of 18th century London. He was friendly with some of the cultural giants of his age, such as the novelist Laurence Sterne and the actor David Garrick. He had this portrait painted by Gainsborough. #GoogleDoodle #blackhistorymonthuk pic.twitter.com/ogUgYpYsTw
— David Olusoga (@DavidOlusoga) October 1, 2020
"Through our recommendations we have focused on books that explore black history and its legacy on the present day.
"The books we have selected explore different views of the black experience within Britain, America, the Caribbean and Africa.
"Though there are similarities connecting these experiences, there are also significant differences that must be acknowledged and understood," they added.
The list includes sections for children (Under 12s), Young Adults, and Adults, and featured stand-out titles across all three sections.
For example, the pair highlighted Catherine Johnson's 'Queen of Freedom: Defending Jamaica', a kids book from the True Adventures series that highlights the resistance to British colonial rule in Jamaica under the leadership of 'Queen Nanny'.
Other highlights include Grime Artist and Author Akala's celebrated 'Natives' and 'Black and British: A Forgotten History' by TV Historian David Olusoga.
"We have tried to focus on a historical perspective but some of the titles we’ve highlighted for Teens/Young Adults focus more on the present fight against racism; instances of police brutality threatening communities and the Black Lives Matter movement fighting for justice," the pair said.
All the books are available in-store at Moon Lane Books.
See the full list here, and for more info on Moon Lane Books, click here.
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