Five Must Read Books On Black History And Culture

5 min read

This year’s Black History Month theme is Reclaiming Narratives. 

What does that mean? 

Taking ownership of stories that:

• Define Black culture
• Celebrate Black heritage, and
• Ensure Black voices are heard

It’s a call to action for Black communities across the UK to step into the role of storytellers, historians, and custodians of heritage. For far too long, Black histories have been narrated by others, leading to distorted portrayals that fail to capture the full breadth and depth of people’s experiences.

And it’s not just about revisiting history, but about taking ownership of the stories that define Black culture, contributions, and identity.

So, whether you want to read up on your own background and culture, or you just want to educate yourself a little more, here are our top five reads that amplify Black voices, culture, history and influence. Get stuck in!

Slay in Your Lane by Elizabeth Uviebinene and Yomi Adegoke 

Slay in Your Lane is hailed as “The long-awaited, inspirational guide to life for a generation of Black British women inspired to make lemonade out of lemons, and find success in every area of their lives.”

The book recognises and celebrates the strides Black women have already made, while providing practical advice for those who want to do the same and forge a better, visible future.

From education to work, dating to representation, and money to health, Slay in Your Lane explores the ways in which being Black and female affects each of these areas, and offers advice and encouragement on how to navigate them.

Best friends, Elizabeth Uviebinené and Yomi Adegoke’s, use illustrations of their own lives, and interview dozens of the most successful black women in Britain.

“Work twice as hard to be considered half as good’ is a saying that many Black women grow up with. But it is only as we start to experience more of the world that it really can start to hit home.”

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Things Fall Apart was first published in 1958, and is considered a seminal work in African literature.

Set in pre-colonial Nigeria, the book follows Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior, as he navigates the shifting dynamics of his community. It captures the cultural richness of Igbo society, delving into its customs, traditions, spirituality, and social structures. And, how the arrival of European colonists disrupts everything and turns Okonkwo’s world well and truly upside down. 

Beyond its historical significance, Things Fall Apart remains relevant, addressing themes of identity, power, and the enduring consequences of colonial legacies. It’s also the first book in a trilogy, so if you love it, there are two more books to read straight after!

“Okonkwo was well known throughout the nine villages and even beyond. His fame rested on solid personal achievements. As a young man of eighteen he had brought honour to his village by throwing Amalinze the Cat. Amalinze was the great wrestler who for seven years was unbeaten, from Umuofia to Mbaino.”

Taking Up Space: The Black Girl’s Manifesto for Change by Chelsea Kwakye and Ore Ogunbiyi

Taking up Space was the first book to be published under Stormzy’s #Merky Books partnership with Penguin. 

Friends, Chelsea and Ore, both studied at Cambridge University and found that as minorities in a predominantly white institution, taking up space was an act of resistance. Their first hand experience led them to write Taking Up Space as a guide and a manifesto for change.

It features honest conversations with students and goes beyond the buzzwords of diversity and inclusion to explore what those words truly mean for young Black girls today.

“When you walk into your first supervision, you will probably be the only Black girl in the room. Get used to it, because it won’t get much better. But don’t let that scare you and, more importantly, don’t let anyone make you feel small or misplaced.”

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye is Toni Morrison's first novel, and is heralded for its richness of language and boldness of vision. 

The story follows Pecola Breedlove, a young Black girl who prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be as beautiful and beloved as all the blonde, blue eyed children in America. 

It’s a powerful examination of our obsession with beauty and conformity, and asks powerful questions about race, class, gender, family relations and violence, and the complexities of childhood.

(Trigger warning: the book also contains narratives around sexual abuse within families which could be quite upsetting for some readers)

“Here was an ugly little girl asking for beauty....A little black girl who wanted to rise up out of the pit of her blackness and see the world with blue eyes. His outrage grew and felt like power. For the first time he honestly wished he could work miracles.”

Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola

Love in Colour is a collection of short stories based on ancient myths from different cultures, retold in a modern way, bringing to life the women of colour throughout history.

The stories all focus on love, connection, lust, courage, the human spirit. From a high-born Nigerian goddess who feels beaten down and unappreciated by her gregarious lover, to a powerful Ghanaian spokeswoman who is forced to decide whether to uphold her family's politics, or to be true to her heart.
The characters in the stories try to navigate this most complex human emotion – love – and understand why it holds them hostage.

“Love is the prism through which I view the world. I truly believe it binds and propels us. This isn’t a naive denial of the darkness that we know exists in the world; rather it is a refusal to allow the devastation, the horror, or the heartache to consume us.”

Ready, steady, read…

So, you’ve seen our suggestions and might have a few new books to add to your shelves! Let us know how you get on by tagging us on Insta @NCS, and feel free to shout out any other great reads to help inspire other people to pick up a copy.

READ MORE:

• Black is different. Black is beautiful. Black is equal. 
• Your questions answered: Black culture and identity in the UK
• Five young Black leaders you need to know