With her trademark fluidity of language and clarity of communication, Atinuke has written the perfect antidote to the standard “white” view of British history and will ensure that Black History is not confined to a single month, nor entirely focused on Slavery and Empire.
Choosing to start from the origins of Homo Sapiens in Africa and explaining how evolution and migration has impacted upon the development of the species, makes two things abundantly clear. Britain’s history began with migration about 12,000 years ago and those migrants had black skin. Paler skin only gradually evolved in northern lands in response to the lack of sunshine to form the vitamin D essential to human health and the first white migrants to Britian arrived here no more than 4,500 years ago.
This is only the first of the fascinating facts to be learnt as the story moves through the Romans, Tudors, Georgians, Victorians, World Wars, all the way up to the Windrush generation, colonial independence to the current day, showcasing in every period the contributions made by Black British lives.
Atinuke’s skill with storytelling makes for compelling reading and she does not pull any punches in telling the complex story of slavery, conquest, colonisation, industrialisation and war. The stunning illustrations and clever layout and timelines make their own effective contribution to understanding. The book powerfully concludes with a page on Black Lives Matter and the continuing fight against racism. This extraordinary, impactful and eye opening book is an absolutely essential purchase for schools and parents.
An eye-opening story of Britain, focusing on a part of our past that has mostly been left out of the history books: Black British history.
Did you know that the first Britons were Black? Or that some of the Roman soldiers who invaded and ruled Britain were Black, too? Join this fascinating journey through the ages to meet those first Britons, as well as the Black Tudors, Georgians and Victorians who existed in every walk of life here. The incredible journey through time is brought to life through Atinuke's fascinating storytelling and illustrated scenes, detailed maps, and timelines created by illustrator Kingsley Nebechi.
From science and sport to literature and law, celebrate the brilliant Black people who have helped build Britain. Learn about key and complex historical topics such as the world wars, slavery, the industrial revolution, Windrush and the Black Lives Matter movement. This fascinating book will change everything you thought you knew about our green-grey British isles.
'I started reading and couldn't put it down. A fascinating, essential, inclusive dive into British history. It's the kind of book I wish was available when I was a kid.' - Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children's Laureate
'Black British history is British history. We have been here on these shores for a long time and have been part of the British empire from its inception. That is why this book is important for all children so that they grow up knowing our history and being proud of our contribution. We are Britain.' - Diane Abbott, MP
'From the very first people to set foot on these islands, Black people have made and shaped Britain into what it is today. Brilliant Black British History is the book I wished I had growing up.' - David Lammy, MP
'This book is revolutionary. The average person is unaware of the rich history of Blackness in Britain and I love that this wonderful book helps us all to retrace our steps. A nuanced understanding of history leads to a beautiful manner of interacting with the world around us. Love this!' - Kelechi Okafor, actor, writer and podcast host
'Brilliant Black British History is an informative and inspiring book that will have all children and young people asking further questions on factual Black British history.' - Laura Henry-Allain MBE, award-winning writer, speaker and TV producer
'This book is a huge step forward in ensuring racist attitudes do not progress into children of the next generation. It provides a contextual, globalised history that roots the Black British experience in histories of movement and migration, addressing the information gap in traditional mainstream education. We would recommend this book to any child, adult or teacher!' - Stop Hate UK
'A comprehensive and fascinating book on Black History! I wish I had a something like this when I was a child.' - Prof Nira Chamberlain, leading British mathematician
Author
About Atinuke
Atinuke is a Nigerian-born author who started her career as an oral storyteller of tales from the African continent. She draws on her recent Yoruba ancestry and her life in West Wales to write stories of contemporary life in Nigeria and in Wales. She is the author of the bestselling Anna Hibiscus series. This is her first venture into non-fiction.
