Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives – Truth Recommends

This year, for Black History Month (1 October to 31 October), at Truth, we’ve gathered a list of recommendations to promote and celebrate people of African and Caribbean heritage, recognising their contributions to our lives, our understanding of the world, and their role in shaping culture. The list includes recommendations of cultural and political role models, along with a description of what their work means to us.

Natasha Brown - Assembly (2021)

“This book really brought home to me how exhausting it is to try and thrive while being Black in the UK. It also helped me articulate the importance of considering intersectionality in feminism, among many other things.”

Description: Natasha Brown’s Assembly (2021) explores race, identity, and Britain’s colonial past through the lens of a Black British woman. In its brief but powerful narrative, the novel raises significant questions about privilege, systemic inequality, and personal agency.

David Olusoga - Black and British: A Forgotten History (2016)

“I read this last year (I love reading history) and found that it gave me a far more nuanced understanding of Black British history compared to the often oversimplified narratives in TV shows and documentaries.”

Description: Historian David Olusoga examines the deep-rooted connections between the British Isles and the peoples of Africa and the Caribbean in Black and British: A Forgotten History (2016). This revised edition includes a new chapter addressing pivotal events like the Windrush scandal and the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Olusoga emphasizes that Black history is integral to Britain’s national story.

Michaela Coel - I May Destroy You (2020) TV Series

“Watching I May Destroy You had a profound impact on how I understand and empathize with abuse and trauma. It left a lasting impression that I can’t unlearn. She’s a true inspiration and role model, excelling both in front of and behind the camera, seamlessly navigating both roles.”

Description: Michaela Coel, a British-Ghanaian actress, writer, and director, is best known for her groundbreaking series I May Destroy You (2020). Coel’s storytelling dives deep into complex themes like identity, race, and trauma. Keep an eye out for her upcoming 10-episode drama series First Day on Earth, co-produced by HBO and BBC.

Olivette Otele - African Europeans: An Untold Story (2020)

“I love this book—it’s an essential history lesson for those of us who received a Eurocentric education.”

Description: Historian Olivette Otele uncovers the untold stories of Europeans of African descent, highlighting figures such as Roman leader Saint Maurice, Renaissance scholar Juan Latino, abolitionist Mary Prince, and modern activists. Through these lives, Otele explores African-European heritage, delving into themes of race, identity, citizenship, and resilience. African Europeans: An Untold Story (2020) redefines our understanding of European history.

Sabrina Strings - Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia (2019)

“This is a U.S. contribution, but it’s one of the best books I’ve read on intersectional discrimination. It’s part social history, cultural criticism, and theory—all while being very accessible. The book examines how Western 'trade' (like sugar) influenced beauty standards, diet, morality, and more. I can’t do it justice here, but it’s an incredible introduction to the history of misogynoir, misogyny, racism, and fatphobia. I recommend it to everyone—it’s truly enlightening.”

Chinua Achebe - Things Fall Apart (1958)

“A standard read for secondary school children in Nigeria during my time, though I’m not sure about now. Achebe is one of the most influential figures in African literature. This was one of my favorite books as a child living in Nigeria, where I had only a minor understanding of the Western world but a growing awareness of colonialism’s effects on my people. It’s an incredible read for those who want to understand colonialism from the perspective of the colonized.”

Description: Things Fall Apart (1958) depicts life in pre-colonial Igboland, Nigeria, and the subsequent arrival of European missionaries and colonial forces in the 19th century. Achebe examines cultural change, personal pride, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous societies. He masterfully portrays the complexities of Igbo life while critiquing both traditional and colonial systems.

Wole Soyinka - The Lion and the Jewel (1959)

“I read this play countless times as a child—it deeply resonated with me growing up in a society caught between modernity and tradition. As a young girl, I struggled with the notion that my worth was tied to my father and, eventually, to a future husband. I found myself questioning how I could be a modern woman without rejecting my culture and traditions. Thanks to my liberal father, I grew to understand that I could become anything I wanted to be.”

Description: Wole Soyinka, a celebrated Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1986—the first sub-Saharan African to receive the honor. His play The Lion and the Jewel (1959) is set in the fictional town of Ilujinle, Yorubaland, Nigeria. The play explores themes of modernity, cultural identity, and the influence of Western culture in post-colonial Africa. With humor and lively character interactions, Soyinka addresses Nigeria’s post-colonial identity, power dynamics, and the subjugation of women by tradition.

Shereen Daniels - The Anti-Racist Organization: Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace (2022)

“Shereen’s book opened my eyes to the importance of leadership in creating anti racist workplaces. It’s impossible to carry on as usual after reading this book and there lies it’s power. “

Description: The book explains what systemic racism is, how it shows up in organizations' structures, policies, and cultures, and how it quietly continues to create inequality. It offers practical solutions too and is truly helpful to help navigate change.

Shirley Chisholm: the first black candidate for a major-party nomination for President of the United States in (1968)

“Two recommendations in one I came across this very prominent political figure in the USA whilst watching a miniseries called Mrs. America starring Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly. She successfully campaigned against the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. To further corroborate the importance of Shirley Chisolm role in representing the black community in the USA, there’s a new Netflix series dedicated to her called SHIRLEY both films are worth a watch!”

Description: Shirley Chisholm, elected in 1968 as the first Black woman in U.S. Congress, became the first Black major-party presidential candidate in 1972. A trailblazer for racial and gender equality, she championed social justice, education, and women's rights, inspiring future generations with her independent leadership.

Clive Chijioke Nwonka - Black Arsenal (2024)

“My present to myself for Black History Month. A just published book about the relationship between Arsenal Football Club and Black culture. Can't wait to read it.”

Description: Black Arsenal by Clive Chijioke Nwonka follows a young Nigerian footballer in London as he faces challenges in pursuing his dreams. Struggling with identity, race, and societal pressures, he navigates both personal and cultural conflicts. The novel explores themes of ambition, belonging, and the complexities of urban life.

We hope you enjoy our recommendations and have the opportunity to experience and benefit from them too!

The Truth team