Library Catalogue Search. Click on the link to see a selection of the Library's books on Black History, BAME and other issues. Remember, you can always ask a Librarian if you need further help or information.
Information about Black History held at Cornwall's Archive. Click on the image above for further details. Opens in a new window.
Recommended by: Mr Ebrey
Duke Ellington was one of the most important creative forces in the music of the twentieth century. His influence on classical music, popular music, and, of course, jazz, simply cannot be overstated.
Recommended by: Mr McNeil
Jamaica-born, British-based dub poet activist, Linton Kwesi Johnson (LKJ), became the second living poet, and the only black one, to be published in the Penguin Modern Classics series in 2002.
Recommended by: Mrs Ward
A 2017 young adult novel by Angie Thomas. This is Thomas’ debut novel, expanded from a short story she wrote in college in reaction to the police shooting of Oscar Grant. The book is narrated by Starr Carter, an-American girl from a poor neighbourhood who attends an elite private school in a predominantly white, affluent part of the city. Starr becomes entangled in a national news story after she witnesses a white police officer shoot and kill her childhood friend, Khalil.
Recommended by: Mrs Le Bihan Murphy
Americanah is a 2013 novel by the Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Americanah tells the story of a young Nigerian woman, Ifemelu, who immigrated to the United States to attend university. Very touching, human, moving story I highly recommend for all our A level students
Recommended by: Mr Sanderson
Siya Kolisi became the first black captain of the South African team (The Springboks), which had always been synonymous with white South Africans and their pride in their country. The journey Kolisi has made from the slums, to one of the most influential leaders in South Africa, is detailed in Rise, a read that all will enjoy. It is not really a sports book. It is a story of hope, perseverance, pride, hard work and an eye opening insight into one of the worlds most fascinating political landscapes.
Recommended by: Mrs Thurlow
Beloved by Toni Morrison is a compelling book that guides the reader through how life was as a slave and ignites empathy in such a raw way.
Recommended by: Dr Spring
Not a book, but a webpage – really fascinating. It’s about black sailors in the Royal Navy in Nelson’s period (of whom there were many).
Recommended by: Miss Husband
The most wonderful verse novels. Coelho was the Children’s Laureate from 2022 – 2024. The Boy Lost in the Maze was the deserving winner of the coveted 2024 Carnegie Prize.
Recommended by: Mr Osmond
Backatown, the first album (14 years ago) from this extraordinary black musician, born and raised in the deprived parishes of New Orleans. Often heavy-hitting with lots of distortion this is a marriage of heavy-metal with traditional big-band jazz. He also provides free instruments and lessons for those in New Orleans who cannot afford them.
Recommended by: Mrs Roukaerts
A piercing insight into what it is like to be a person of colour in majority white spaces, including church and faith-based organisations.
Joseph Antonio Emidy (1775 – 23 April 1835) was a Guinean-born British musician who was enslaved by Portuguese traders in his early life. He was later freed and resided in Portugal before being impressed into the Royal Navy. He was eventually discharged near Cornwall and later became a notable and celebrated violinist and composer in the region, passing away in 1835. Joseph is buried in Kenwyn churchyard. You can read more about his fascinating story here. 
A wealth of information about the Black British experience. This year's theme for Black History Month is “Reclaiming Narratives,” and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. Click on the image above to go to the website. Opens in a new window.
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Racism is more than name-calling, it is all around us. From microaggressions to violent hate crimes, incidents of racial prejudice and ethnic discrimination are never far from headlines. |
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