Equality and Diversity UK Anti-Racism Book Club

What is the Anti-Racism Book Club?

Welcome to the Anti-Racism Leadership Book Club! Our mission is to explore and discuss literature that enriches our understanding of race equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through thought-provoking discussions, we aim to create a space for open dialogue and shared learning.

The next meeting is Wednesday 17th June 2026: 6 pm to 7 pm

We invite you to read one of the following four books in advance of our discussion. Each offers a unique and educational perspective on race, identity, and leadership:

Join us for an engaging discussion!

Registration Form

At this meeting, we will be discussing

We Were There:

How Black Culture, Resistance and Community Shaped Modern Britain

by Lanre Bakare

We Were There by Lanre Bakare is an acclaimed, "vital" study of Black British history, focusing on cultural and social experiences outside London from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Reviews praise the book as a necessary, deeply researched "corrective" that shines a light on neglected stories in cities like Birmingham, Liverpool, and Cardiff.

Key Aspects from Reviews:

Beyond London Focus: The book breaks away from the "excessive concentration on England's capital", covering Black lives in Wigan, Bradford, Manchester, and the English countryside.

Cultural & Social History: Bakare covers topics ranging from the Northern Soul scene to rugby league and political resistance.

Documentary-Style Narrative: The book is described as a "kaleidoscopic narrative" and a "documentary-like" work that blends archival research with interviews.

A "Vital Corrective": It is hailed by figures like Steve McQueen and praised in reviews as "an essential, unique and joyful contribution" and a "necessary and urgent recalibration".

Forgotten Stories: The book brings into the spotlight personal stories of individuals, such as the wrongful imprisonment case of George Lindo.

We Were There is widely considered a "must-read" that offers a "rare journey" through a crucial period of British history, challenging mainstream narratives and providing a more complete picture of Black British life.

Review

Amazon link

Read sample

Play Sample

Future Book CLub Selections: Stay tuned for our upcoming book selections!
We aim to cover a wide range of genres, authors, and topics to ensure diverse representation.

Why Join?

Fostering Understanding: Join us to delve into books that challenge perspectives and deepen our understanding of diverse cultures, identities, and experiences. Whether you're passionate about social justice or simply love good literature, this club offers a meaningful way to engage with these important topics.
Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to promoting equality and diversity. Share your thoughts, learn from others, and be part of a community that values inclusivity and respect.

How It Works

Six weekly Reads: Each month, we select a book that reflects themes of race equality and diversity. We then gather to discuss the book in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Discussion Format: Discussions are typically held online to accommodate everyone's schedules, ensuring that all voices are heard. Each session is moderated to encourage respectful and constructive conversations.

How to Join

Sign-Up Information: Interested in joining? Sign up [here] to receive updates on our book selections and meeting times. All are welcome, regardless of prior knowledge or background.

Feedback and Suggestions

Have a Book in Mind? We value your input! If you have a book recommendation or an anti-racism topic you'd like to explore, please let us know. Our goal is to make the club as inclusive and reflective of our members' interests as possible.

Contact Information