Stephen Lawrence Day 2021
Today marks the death of Stephen Lawrence, the young man who was killed in a racist attack in 1993. As the world still sighs its relief at the guilty verdict of the American police officer who killed George Floyd on 25th May 2020, we are reminded that there has been almost no change in system of racism and the level of accountability for authorities all over the world.
We'd like to share three books that look at systemic racism now, and how it was developed:
Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Rene Eddo-Lodge
Published in 2018, Rene's writing highlights instances of the subtitle and passive racism that is so often experience by Black Britions and other non-white people in the UK.
How Europe Underdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney
The Guyanese political activist, historian and global freedom fighter was first published in 1972 and his extended essay has been the foundation of many an activists research into racist systems. Although not without its' criticisms, Dr Rodney's work has seen four other editions, the latest was published in 2018.
Rest in Power: The Enduring Life Of Trayvon Martin by Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin
A tribute to Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old who was walking home one evening and was shot by a man who found him suspicious. The book is told through the alternating narratives of Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin, about the beautiful and complex child they lost, the cruel unresponsiveness of the police and the hostility of the legal system, and the inspiring journey they took from grief to power.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those families and friends who have lost loved ones due to systemic racism.
All these books can be ordered from your local bookshop, online or through Jacaranda Books. Email office@jacarandabooksartmusic.co.uk for details.