Black History Month has been celebrated in the UK for over 30 years. In 2024, celebrating the contributions and achievements of black communities in Leicester and Leicestershire, and across the UK, has never been more important. On this page we have put together a collection of useful books, web resources, podcasts and other media that might offer some insight and understanding into the significance of Black History Month.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. By emphasising “Reclaiming Narratives,” we shine a brighter light on our stories, allegories, and history.
This theme underscores a commitment to correcting historical inaccuracies and showcasing the untold success stories and the full complexity of Black heritage. It’s about taking control of our stories and honouring our heroes while challenging the narratives that have often overlooked the contributions and achievements of Black individuals both in the UK and globally. #ReclaimingNarratives
Web Resources & Events
Serendipity Leicester-View programme of events that promote the history and contributions of African and Caribbean communities.
RF Life links – A Mental Health and Well-being Recovery Education Workshop created for this year’s Black History Month
Windrush Foundation– Stories from pioneers of the Windrush generations, events and resources for KS2 and 3
2 Funky Artsare holding events dedicated for Black History Month
Recommended reading
Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala
Don’t Touch my Hair by Emma Dabiri
Me and White Supremacy by Layla F Saad
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
Brit(ish) by Afua Hirsch
The Good Immigrant by Nikesh Shukla and more British BAME writers
Poet by Salena Godden
Nightingale Point by Luan Goldie
The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A Singh
I Am Not Your Baby Mother by Candice Brathwaite
Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn,
The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon,
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas,
They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
Here Comes the Sun by Nicole Dennis-Benn
The Lonely Londoners by Sam Selvon
The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas
They Can’t Kill Us All by Wesley Lowery
Children’s Books
My Body, your Body: Hair by Book Life Publishing
Ages 3-6. Discuss hair in a matter of fact way. All hair is great!
This Book is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell
Age 11-15. Years Engage, Listen & Learn about racism. Examine social identity, ethnicity, race.
A Kids Book about Racism by Jelani Memory
Age 4+ Years. A clear explanation of racism that children will understand and engage with. Full of questions and conversation starters.
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson
Age 6-9 Years. Telling the story of children marching for their rights during the civil rights movement in 1960s Alabama.
Anti-Racist Baby by Ibram X. Kendi
Age 0-5 Years. Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby’s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world
Podcasts
Black History Buff by King Kurus
The Black History Buff podcast is a fun and thrilling journey through time. Covering the full historical tapestry of the African Diaspora, you’ll hear tales covering everything from African Samurai to pistol-wielding poets. More than just a podcast, the show is a bridge that links communities throughout the African diaspora and enlightens and empowers its friends.
Everyday Black History: Afro Appreciation
Where we highlight the contributions of Black Men and Women both Past and present. Here we celebrate Afro Appreciation, where Black American, Africans and Latinos of African descent are honored. We also highlight Institutions that have help the advancement of people in the African Diaspora, such as historically Black University and many others.
About Race by Reni Edo-lodge
Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge looks at the recent history that lead to the politics of today.
Blacticulate by Ade Bamgbala
A Black British podcast featuring young Black professionals, where we find out how they do what they do so you can too.
Documentaries/Films/Talks
Ted Talks – A number of different Ted Talks on race
BBC iPlayer – A collection of programmes exploring black history and culture
Netflix – Learn more about racial injustice and the Black experience in America with this collection of films, series and documentaries
Channel 4 – A celebration of Black lives and Black culture
Social Media
UK Black History Month – Black History 365 is an online platform celebrating Black History Arts and Culture throughout the UK.
Twitter – @BhmUK
Diverse Kids Books- books for children of all ages celebrating diversity
Instagram – @Diverse_Kids_Books
Every Day Racism UK – Anti-Racism Activists // Amplifying BIPOC stories
Instagram – @everydayracism_
The Conscious Kid – Parenting and Education through a Critical Race Lens
Twitter – @consciouskidlib
Instagram – @theconsciouskid
Munroe Bergdorf – Tran’s Rights and Anti-Racism Activist and Model.
Twitter – @MunroeBergdorf
Instagram – @munroebergdorf
The Black Curriculum- We teach Black British History in schools and out of schools to young people around the UK, – all year round using a range of art forms
Twitter – @CurriculumBlack
Instagram – @theblackcurriculum