This year's Black History Month is centred around "Proud to Be" and there is so much to be proud of.
To keep the learning and celebrations going we have some recommendations of books, podcasts and many more.
Curated for you
Podcasts Yams and Yuca Podcast A podcast exploring the fabric of Black identities through culture, food, art, life experiences and more. Listen here >> Black Gals Livin' Two girls from London and Essex chatting about mental health, pop culture and random shenanigans. Listen here >> Two Twos Podcast Two black lesbians living in London speaking their unapologetic truth whilst creating a safe space for people like themselves and bridging the gap between LGBT+ people and Cis gendered straight people! Listen here >> Black Women Working Black Women Working is a movement which seeks to centre black women’s stories and experiences in the overall discussions about diversity and equality at work in the UK. Listen here >> Don't Alert the Stans 'Don't Alert The Stans' is a music and pop-culture podcast with a marked focus on stan culture. Hosts Nic, Sope, and Eden examine the trending topics of the week, new releases and mercilessly debate your favourite artists. Listen here >> Here is an article from Buzzfeed with a few more honourable mentions.
Books “Sista Sister by Candice Braithwaite A collection of sharp, smart and fearless essays from the author of I Am Not Your Baby Mother, Sista Sister is packed full of the wisdom and advice that Candice wished she’d received as a young Black girl. Read more >> Black Skin: The Definitive Skincare Guide by Dija Ayodele Dija Ayodele is a fully qualified and insured Aesthetician and the founder of West Room Aesthetics, a skincare destination for women of colour. She is also the founder of the award-winning Black Skin Directory, which connects people of colour to skincare brands and experts. With over a ten years’ experience in the aesthetics industry, Dija Ayodele takes you through the lifetime of skin, sharing transformative essentials from how to work out your skin. Read more >> Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown Tabitha Brown is an actress and vegan food star who has affectionately become known as America's Mom. Now, in this life-changing book, Tabitha shares the wisdom she gained from her own journey, showing readers how to make a life for themselves that is rooted in non-judgmental kindness and love, both for themselves and for others. Read more >> Professional Troublemaker by Luvvie Ajayi From the New York Times bestselling author of I'm Judging You, a hilarious and transformational book about how to tackle fear--that everlasting hater--and audaciously step into lives, careers, and legacies that go beyond even our wildest dreams. Read more >> The Invention of Women by Cheikh Anta Diop A meticulous historical and epistemological account of an African culture on its own terms, this book makes a persuasive argument for a cultural, context-dependent interpretation of social reality. A truly comparative sociology of an African culture and the Western tradition, it will change the way African studies and gender studies proceed. Read more>> Another Magazine has a list of some amazing additional book suggestions! Also please find here a few black owned bookstores across the UK.
Children's Books My Skin, Your Skin by Laura Henry-Allain MBE & Onyinye Iwu (Suitable for ages 4-7 years old) My Skin Your Skin is a powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. Read more >>
Hey You by Dapo Adeola (Suitable for ages 3-7 years old) This book addresses - honestly, yet hopefully - the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope for the future, delivering a powerful message to a new generation of dreamers. It's a message that is both urgent and timeless - and offers a rich and rewarding reading experience for every child. Read more >>
Dear Black Girl by Tamara Winfrey Harris (Suitable for teenagers) Dear Black Girl is the empowering, affirming love letter our girls need in order to thrive in a world that does not always protect, nurture, or celebrate us. This collection of Black women's voices... is a must-read, not only for Black girls, but for everyone who cares about Black girls, and for Black women whose inner-Black girl could use some healing. Read more >>
YouTube The Outsiders? The new 6-part series The Outsiders? spearheaded by award-winning photographer and director Simon Frederick are available to stream from Monday 4th October on YouTube Originals. The series profiles a pioneering cast of Black talent from around the world, shaping entertainment, technology, sport, and culture as we know it. Painting a raw and unfiltered picture of succeeding while Black in today’s society, through intimate and frank interviews, we witness young Black visionaries take the helm in telling their own stories and hear how they are turning the tables on the very same society that initially rejected them, fighting back against the status quo and overcoming adversity to become the luminaries of our time. The line-up includes a powerhouse of UK talents; Reni Eddo-Lodge, Mo Gilligan, Clara Amfo, Campbell Addy, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Vanessa Kingori, Jamal Edwards, Fenn O’Meally, Candice Brathwaite, Sophie Duker, Suli Breaks, Chidera Eggerue, Julie Adenuga, Alex Scott, MNEK, Munya Chawawa, Celeste, George the Poet, Eunice Olumide, Niko Omilana, Jeremy Lynch, Jordan Stephens, Dumi Oburota, Rachel Ama, Chanel Ambrose and Ncuti Gatwa. Watch here >>