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Published on 15 October 2024

These recommended books offer perspectives on decolonisation, anti-racism, and the global struggles for equality. Whether you’re searching for a single Black History Month book or building a Black History Month reading list, these selections will both inspire and inform you.

Anti-racist reading for Black History Month

1. A World Without Racism: Building Antiracist Futures

In A World Without Racism, activist Joshua Virasami brings together the voices of some of the most influential anti-racist organisers. The book provides a clear set of radical, yet accessible principles to help build anti-racist power. This practical guide is perfect for anyone committed to fighting racism and seeking long-term solutions.

 A World Without Racism: Building Antiracist Futures
Black History for Every Day of the Year

2. Black History for Every Day of the Year

Black History for Every Day of the Year is a vibrant collection of quotes, poems, illustrations and pictures that celebrate the accomplishments of both well-known and unsung Black figures throughout history. It’s a powerful reminder that Black history is to be celebrated every day, not just during Black History Month.

3. Engage: Indigenous, Black and Afro-Indigenous Futures

This anthology includes voices from Black and Indigenous organisers, sharing their thoughts on defiance and liberation. Engage presents a hopeful vision of the future, rooted in the fight against oppression and the desire for a more just world. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in decolonisation and revolutionary movements.

Engage: Indigenous, Black and Afro-Indigenous Futures
Explore more resources on justice and equality

Discover additional tools and materials to deepen your understanding of climate and racial justice. Visit our resources page to find activities, guides, and insights for your community.

Books about decolonisation

Race to the Bottom: Reclaiming Antiracism

4. Race to the Bottom: Reclaiming Antiracism

Race to the Bottom examines how Britain's Black Power movements were weakened and co-opted into mainstream institutions like the Labour Party and NGOs. The authors argue for a return to radical activism and a focus on reclaiming the lost histories of anti-racist struggle. This book is essential for understanding modern activism and how it can be revived in today’s world.

5. Awake: Emerging and Connected

Awake brings together the voices of young activists from around the world, each with unique experiences of faith and justice. Through personal stories and reflections, the book explores the challenges and triumphs of fighting for justice across different continents. It offers a refreshing and globally aware perspective on anti-racism and decolonisation.

Awake: Emerging and Connected
Deconstructing Whiteness, Empire and Mission

6. Deconstructing Whiteness, Empire and Mission

This book delves into the legacy of Christian mission and its connection to colonialism, offering an unapologetic critique of how white supremacy has influenced religious practices. It encourages readers to think critically about the history of Christian missions and how that legacy continues to shape modern-day racial dynamics. Perfect for those looking for deeper insights into the intersections of race, religion and decolonisation.

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Classics that explore Black history and colonialism

7. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

This classic novel explores the devastating effects of colonisation on the Igbo people in Nigeria. Achebe’s storytelling is vivid, and the novel is considered essential reading for understanding the historical impact of European colonisation on African communities. If you’re looking for a cornerstone of Black history literature, Things Fall Apart is a must-read.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi

8. The Gods Are Not to Blame by Ola Rotimi

In this Nigerian adaptation of the Greek classic Oedipus Rex, Rotimi explores themes of fate, tradition and leadership in a uniquely African context. Set in the Yoruba region, The Gods Are Not to Blame offers a rich blend of traditional storytelling with timeless themes that continue to resonate.

9. The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o

The River Between is a powerful novel set in Kenya during the early days of colonisation. It tells the story of two communities divided by colonial rule and Christian missionaries. The book offers a thoughtful exploration of resistance, tradition and the struggles for identity in the face of cultural upheaval. It’s an excellent read for those interested in decolonisation and the fight for self-determination.

The River Between by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
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Critical works on race and feminism

The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness by Wole Soyinka

10. The Burden of Memory, the Muse of Forgiveness by Wole Soyinka

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka asks difficult questions about the possibility of reconciliation after centuries of repression and violence. Focusing on Africa, he explores whether true forgiveness and healing are possible after such deep-seated trauma. This book is a thoughtful examination of how communities recover from oppression.

11. Feminism Without Borders by Chandra Talpade Mohanty

In this critical work, Mohanty challenges Western feminism’s assumptions about race, power and global solidarity. She offers a strong critique of the way feminist movements have often overlooked the voices and struggles of women of colour. Feminism Without Borders is essential reading for those who want to explore the politics of difference and the possibilities of building truly inclusive movements.

Feminism Without Borders by Chandra Talpade Mohanty
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

12. Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka asks difficult questions about the possibility of reconciliation after centuries of repression and violence. Focusing on Africa, he explores whether true forgiveness and healing are possible after such deep-seated trauma. This book is a thoughtful examination of how communities recover from oppression.

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