Together we stand -Books About Race In Britain To Add To Your Anti-Racist Reading List

 

Over the past few days, demonstrations have taken place in the U.S., UK, and across the world to protest the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25 and demand more is done to end racism and police brutality. One of the first steps non-Black people can take in helping this cause is educating themselves on the issue. Reading about racism here in the UK will not be a comfortable experience, but with so many informative books about the topic, there are no excuses not to be doing it.

This list includes books that will help readers learn about the history of racism and anti-racist activism in the UK, as well as what racism looks like today and how you can actively become a better ally. The books below predominantly focus on Black British experiences and histories, but there are works featured for those looking to read more widely about the issue of UK racism, xenophobia, and white supremacy. I have also included novels and non-fiction books written by people of colour that we think deserve a spotlight.

This list is by no means exhaustive or definitive, it is simply a starting point for those looking to educate themselves.

The history of racism & anti-racist activism in the UK

'Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire' by Akala

£8.99

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Book Love

BAFTA- and MOBO-award-winning political commentator Akala explores Britain's imperialist history. 'Natives' reveals that the UK's reluctance to confront its racist past is one of the key reasons why prejudice attitudes are still being accepted as the norm.

'Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge

£8.99

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Foyles

'Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race,’ written by British journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge, analyses the discussions that are had around racism and race, pointing out that white people’s contributions can often do more harm than good. Eddo-Lodge has recently posted on Twitter to ask anyone who is considering buying a copy of the book in the wake of the George Floyd killing to match what they paid with a donation to the Minnesota Freedom Fund if they are able to. She also suggested borrowing a copy from a friend or local library and donating what you would have spent.

'Memoirs Of A Black Englishman' by Paul Stephenson OBE

£8.19

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Book Depository

Starting in the 1960s, Paul Stephenson OBE dedicated his life to challenging racist practices, advocating for the lack community in Bristol, and working alongside politicians to petition for change. He documents his life's work in 'Memoirs of a Black Englishman.'

'Black & British: A Forgotten History' by David Olusoga

£12.99

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Waterstones

'Black and British’ by David Olusoga fills in the blanks that the UK national curriculum omits (or, in some cases, suppresses), teaching readers about Black people’s role in building this country from the Roman Empire onwards.

'Mother Country,' edited by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff

£9.99

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Foyles

In 'Mother Country,' Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff edits together 22 remarkable stories from people of the Windrush generation as well as their children and grandchildren. These are stories span seven decades and includes entires from David Lammy, Lenny Henry, and other famous figures.

Racism as it looks in the UK today

'The Good Immigrant,' edited by Nikesh Shukla

£8.99

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Blackwells

'The Good Immigrant' brings together 21 insightful voices from members of the BAME community to speak truthfully about what it’s like to be a first, second, or third generation immigrant in the UK today.

'Brit(ish)' by Afua Hirsch

£8.99

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Foyles

In 'Brti(ish),' journalist and broadcaster Afua Hirsch examines the roots of the question “where are you from?”, revealing the extent to which Britain’s imperialist past informs its present.

'Black, Listed' by Jeffrey Boakye

£8.15

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Hive

In 'Black, Listed,' Jeffrey Boakye takes an in-depth look at the ways in which Blackness has been appropriated and othered in every industry from art to sport as well as education and the criminal justice system.

Superior: The Return of Race Science by Angela Saini

£16.99

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Book Love

In 'Superior: The Return of Race Science' Angela Saini lifts the lid on one of racism’s most terrifying facets, highlighting the political groups and individuals who are using junk science and debunked genetics and medical theories to perpetuate ideas of racial hierarchies.

'Shame On Me' by Tessa McWatt

£12.44

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Wordery

In Tessa McWatt's memoir 'Shame On Me,’ ideas of race are interrogated through the lens of the author’s multi-cultural ancestry and through a close examination of her own body. McWatt analyses her nose, lips, hair, skin, and eyes as well as bones and blood to hold up a mirror to the way we read bodies in terms of race.

Books from UK writers on how to be actively anti-racist

'Me & White Supremacy' by Layla F. Saad

£14.99

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Book Love

'Me & White Supremacy' is a guidebook on how white people can dismantle their privilege without causing more trauma, whether it’s intentional or not. With the use of anecdotes and other resources, Saad highlights how you can show up and educate other white people on how to be a better ally.

'White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society' by Kalwant Bhopal

£11.19

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Policy Press

'White Privilege: The Myth of a Post-Racial Society' examines how policy-making over the last few decades has further entrenched bias against people from non-white backgrounds. If you don’t understand the link between privilege and politics, Kalwant Bhopal’s book is a must-read.

'It's Not About the Burqa' edited by Miriam Khan

£7.85

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Hive

Racial stereotypes are pushed and perpetuated in almost every aspect of society from politics to entertainment and social media. 'It’s Not About The Burqa' brings together 17 Muslim women to talk openly about the hijab, faith, love, feminism, queer identity, and sex. This book also sheds light on the difficulty of dealing with both a disapproving community and a racist country.

'How to Argue with a Racist: History, Science, Race & Reality' by Adam Rutherford

£12.99

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Book Love

In 'How to Argue with a Racist,’ Adam Rutherford exposes the hypocrisies at the heart of racism and offers ways in which readers can dismantle racist sentiments in themselves and others. Rutherford makes clear that racism isn’t just perpetrated by overt bigots, highlighting the ways in which well-intentioned people submit to racist norms, behaviours, and traditions without questioning the status quo.