"When curating, my approach is to think of how I can take people on a journey with my selection. This could be a journey that paints a whole picture from start to finish or amplifies a moment in time. I always begin by choosing themes and on this occasion I thought of themes that could significantly represent what is integral to Black History and culture in the UK - music, food, hair, justice and achievements. There are titles here for all ages with a mixture of fantasy and true stories"
Wendy Shearer is a London based storyteller, oral historian and author of Guyanese heritage. She regularly works with libraries, schools and institutions across the arts, performing, writing and sharing stories from the African and Caribbean diasporas.
Wendy’s background is in TV Broadcasting, having produced programmes for Children’s BBC (CBBC), Nickledoden and PBS America. She is the Patron of Tall Stories Theatre Company and Chair of ‘The Society for Storytelling.
Each book on this list holds special significance for Wendy, highlighting stories of Black British people that deserve to be shared, celebrated, and remembered. Here is why these books made her selection:
Wendy recommends this book for its unparalleled depth and breadth.
"Professor Hakim Adi's book advanced my understanding of the presence of Black people in Britain for centuries, reflecting in great detail how multicultural Britain has been for thousands of years."
"Wendy highlights this as an essential must-read for young readers.
A brilliant introduction to the history of Black British people for children written in an engaging way to spark more interest and further exploration. I wish I had this when I was a child growing up in the 1980s as it illuminates areas of history, which are often forgotten, hidden or only told from a Eurocentric view."
"A colourful celebration of how versatile afro hair is, illustrating how it can feel as a young Black person to look different from others around you. Again, I wish such a book was available during my childhood and young adulthood to dispel many misconceptions about Afro hair and encourage self-love."
"A must-read for teenagers - A compelling teen drama set in London which speaks to our youth and some of the complex issues they have to navigate through. Patrice Lawrence is an inspiring award-winning author."
"A phenomenal account, tracing 500 years of history and culture through Black British music. I love how every possible genre of music is part of this vibrant history."
"Wendy's choice of this title stems from its unique blend of memoir and cultural exploration. British-Nigerian journalist Jimi Famurewa has included a gastronomic feast in this part memoir, part social history collection of essays. It's a journey through London's African diaspora."
Wendy’s own collection of folktales is a tribute to the cultural heritage passed down through generations.
"These stories and first-hand Windrush accounts reflect the journey, contribution and influence of the African and Caribbean diaspora on British history and culture. As Rosamund Grant said 'Wherever we go, the stories go too."
These books were chosen to deepen our understanding of Black British history and inspire a greater appreciation for the diverse cultures that have shaped Britain today. Each title, through Wendy’s insightful reflections, offers a window into histories and stories that deserve to be celebrated not just during Black History Month but year-round.
