100 Great Black Britons

A new book, "100 Great Black Britons," celebrates the contributions of Black Britons to British history, highlighting individuals who have been overlooked or dismissed. The book is the result of a campaign launched in 2003 by Patrick Vernon, which included Black historical figures on the national school curriculum and erected statues and memorials in their honor. The updated list of names and portraits in the book reflects the need for this campaign more than ever in the wake of the 2018 Windrush scandal and the ongoing inequality faced by Black communities in the UK.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 02 September 2021
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating and enlightening read, this book offers a refreshing perspective on the significant contributions of Black Britons to the island's rich and intricate history. Authored by David Lammy, the acclaimed author of "Tribes," it has been recognized as one of the best books of 2020 by The Guardian.

Timely and profoundly significant, this book's recognition is long overdue. It serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements of key Black British individuals throughout centuries, in collaboration with the 100 Great Black Britons campaign, founded and led by Patrick Vernon OBE.

Building upon decades of scholarly research, this remarkable work by Patrick Vernon and Dr. Angelina Osborne brings together the biographies of Black Britons, providing a vivid backdrop against which these hundred men and women lived their lives.

In the Foreword, David Olusoga expresses his delight at the relaunch of 100 Great Black Britons. For far too long, the contributions of Britons of African and Caribbean heritage have been underestimated, undervalued, and overlooked.

Patrick Vernon's landmark 100 Great Black Britons campaign of 2003 was a groundbreaking movement that aimed to shed light on the role of people of African and Caribbean descent in British history. Frustrated by the widespread exclusion of the Black British community from the mainstream popular conception of Britishness, despite Black people having lived in Britain for over a thousand years, Vernon initiated a public poll, allowing anyone to vote for the Black Briton they most admired.

The response to this campaign was nothing short of incredible. As a result, numerous Black historical figures were included on the national school curriculum, statues and memorials were erected, and blue plaques were placed to commemorate their achievements.

This book serves as a valuable resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the rich tapestry of Black British history. It is a testament to the resilience, determination, and contributions of these individuals, who have played a vital role in shaping the nation's history.

In conclusion, "100 Great Black Britons" is an empowering read that celebrates the remarkable achievements of Black Britons throughout history. It is a long-overdue recognition of their contributions, and a call to action to continue to acknowledge and honor their legacy. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich and complex history of Britain and the role of its diverse communities.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472147042