| Back in 2020, when so many of us were shut indoors during the pandemic, I was reading a lot. There wasn’t much else to do, right? I was also on social media a lot. (Again, there wasn’t much else to do!) It was impossible to ignore the coverage of the tragic murder of George Floyd, and the protests and anti-racist education that followed. |
| I took a pledge to commit to small act of anti-racism myself. To read only books by authors of colour. This would be a way to educate myself more about my heritage, to actively seek out under-represented voices, and to re-address the balance of where I had until then spent my money and time when it came to books. |
Honestly, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am still solely reading authors of colour now. It has given me so much in terms of education, self confidence and the courage to do more anti-racist work. |
| I’ve prioritised reading books by authors of African Caribbean heritage, as this is my heritage on my mother’s side, so I was delighted to be asked to share some of favourite books by Black authors for Black History Month by the lovely team at the Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, of which I am proud to be on the board of trustees. |
| Reading Black authors has been an essential part of my personal and professional journey toward becoming more actively anti-racist. |
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| Claire Bale at TEDx |
| In my TEDx talk, I discussed the importance of deep connection through stories, and how books by marginalized voices can open doors to understanding. For me, they hold the power to create empathy, break down division, and inspire change. |
| I advocate for others to read books by a wide range of people. For Black History Month, I encourage everyone to pick up a book by a Black author. |
| Here are a few that I think you’ll love: |
| 1. The Trees by Percival Everett A weird, wonderful and at times hilarious exploration of racial violence. This novel intertwines the legacy of lynching in America with a gripping and spooky mystery. It’s an eye-opening commentary on the deep-rooted injustices that persist in society. |
| 2. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams Queenie follows a young Black British woman navigating life, love, and identity in London. It’s a humorous yet thought-provoking look at race, mental health, and the challenges of finding your place in a world that often misunderstands you. |
| 3. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo This Booker Prize-winning novel tells the interconnected stories of twelve Black women in Britain. Evaristo’s narrative shines a light on gender, race, and class through diverse voices, making it a must-read for anyone interested in intersectional feminism and Black British history. So good I’ve read it twice! |
| 4. Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid A sharp and witty exploration of race, privilege, and the awkward dynamics between a young Black woman and her white employer. Reid’s novel touches on the performative aspects of “wokeness” and the complexity of allyship in modern society. Quite a light read if you don’t want anything too heavy. |
| 5. Homegoing by Yaa GyasiThis one is definitely heavy! And brilliant! This historical novel follows the parallel paths of two half-sisters—one sold into slavery, the other married off to a British colonizer—and traces their descendants over three hundred years. It’s a powerful narrative about the lasting impact of slavery on generations of Black families. It’s also full of hope, though, so don’t be put off! |
I have so many wonderful books I’d like to share, but I’ll stop at five for now. Follow me on Instagram @oo_thats_a_bit_racey if you’d like more book inspiration.
This is the final in our mini blogs series for Black History Month 2024.