Thinking Black: Britain, 1964-1985

In the 1960s, black radicals in Britain argued that for a liberated future, Britons needed to "think black" and engage with black culture and politics. Rob Waters' book Thinking Black explores the cultural-political formation of black radicals in Britain, tracing their influence on new institutions of black civil society and connecting it to decolonization and black liberation across the Atlantic world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 06 November 2018
Publisher: University of California Press

In the 1960s, a prevailing belief among black radicals was that Britons required a shift in mindset, urging them to embrace "thinking black." As state and society converged around a revitalized politics of whiteness, they believed that adopting "thinking black" was crucial for those aspiring to create a liberated future from Britain's imperial past. In his book, Thinking Black, Rob Waters delves into the extensive cultural and political formation of black radicals in Britain, tracing its evolution across new institutions of black civil society and establishing connections to decolonization and black liberation across the Atlantic world. Through his comprehensive analysis, Waters demonstrates how black radicalism defined the essence of blackness and the principles of radicalism in Britain from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s.

This transformative period witnessed the emergence of black consciousness, activism, and organizations, challenging the dominant white narrative and advocating for racial justice and equality. Black radicals played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape, challenging stereotypes, and promoting a more inclusive and diverse society. Their ideas and ideologies resonated with individuals across different backgrounds, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective action.

Thinking Black offers a rich and insightful exploration of black radicalism in Britain, shedding light on its historical significance and its enduring impact on the broader social and political landscape. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of race, identity, and resistance in contemporary society.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520293854