As we celebrate Black History Month, it's important to recognise the richness and diversity of Black culture, achievements, and contributions throughout history.
Learning about black history no longer requires sitting with a textbook. There are so many ways to educate ourselves today, from watching a Netflix series to listening to a podcast on the go. To help you get started, we've curated a list of top recommendations that will educate, inspire, and broaden your perspective.
Books
"Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson- An exploration of the caste system in America and its implications on race and identity.
"Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race" by Reni Eddo-Lodge- A thought-provoking analysis of race relations in the UK.
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker- A classic novel that explores themes of race, gender, and resilience in America.
"Black and British: A Forgotten History" by David Olusoga- A comprehensive history of Black people in Britain and their contributions.
"Just As I Am" by Cicely Tyson- An autobiography detailing the life and career of the legendary actress and civil rights advocate.
Films & Documentaries
"13th" (Netflix)- A documentary exploring the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the U.S.
"I Am Not Your Negro"- Based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, this film discusses race relations in America.
"Small Axe" (BBC/Amazon Prime)- A collection of five films directed by Steve McQueen, exploring the lives of West Indian immigrants in the UK.
"The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution"- A documentary chronicling the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party in America.
"Rocks" (Netflix)- A British coming-of-age film that highlights the struggles of a Black teenage girl in London.
Podcasts
"1619"- A New York Times series that examines the history and legacy of slavery in America.
"Black History Year"- A podcast dedicated to celebrating Black history and culture, featuring various guests and topics.
"The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps: African Philosophy"- A deep dive into African philosophy and thinkers, contextualizing their contributions.
"No Country for Young Women"- A podcast that discusses race, identity, and the experiences of Black women in the UK.
"The Receipts Podcast"- A lively discussion on culture, race, and societal issues hosted by three Black women.
Online Resources
UK Black History Month Website- Offers a variety ofresources, events, and educational materials related to Black history in the UK.
The African American History and Culture Museum (Smithsonian)- Online resources and exhibits exploring African American history.
BBC Bitesize: Black History- Educational resourcesfor students covering key events and figures in Black history.
National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)- Offers digital collections and educational resources focusing on Black history and culture.
Articles & Journals
“What the U.S. Can Learn From Britain’s Race Relations” (The Atlantic)- An insightful article comparing race relations in the UK and the US.
"The Impact of Racism on Mental Health: A Review"- A journal article examining the psychological effects of racism and discrimination.
“The Role of Black Women in the Civil Rights Movement”- An academic article discussing the contributions of Black women in the fight for civil rights.