Behind the collection – Black British Voices
Every October, Black History Month creates a platform for stories and voices that don’t always get heard. But for anyone who sells books, it’s important to represent Black voices all year round.
We asked Bookspeed’s Jen Wallace to talk about why we needed to curate a collection to help retailers find and source brilliant books by Black authors.
“Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on your ranges and review whether you are doing enough to amplify the voices that haven’t always been given as much space as other people’s.
“If you are doing any dedicated events for Black History Month, books can signpost the theme clearly. It is an opportunity to introduce brilliant Black authors to your audience, alongside products by Black creators for an inspiring and appealing display.
“But diversity shouldn’t be the preserve of a single month, or a tick-box exercise. It is widely acknowledged that people of colour are significantly under-represented in publishing, as either employees, authors, or protagonists. Retailers, wholesalers, and buyers have a role to play in improving the diversity of the books that make it to market. Our choices can ensure that the books customers discover are representative of our whole society. Commercially, it makes sense too. There is a strong market for interesting stories from unheard voices.
“This is especially true for children’s books. The characters children see in books can shape their view of the world, so it’s important that young people can see themselves in stories. Breadth in children’s ranges means reaching more families.
“Our British Black Voices collection helps retailers find these books. We needed a place where we could gather great books by Black British writers. We’ve featured titles on many of the key moments in Black history, such as Windrush, but we also wanted to make sure we were highlighting Black voices across all popular themes, such as gardening or cookery.
“For an obvious connection to Black History Month, Black History Every Day for Every Day of the Year by acclaimed historian David Olusoga and his siblings Yinka and Kemi Olusoga, is a celebratory account of Black contributions throughout time. But I also love the late Benjamin Zephaniah’s Nature Trail. It’s a top seller and his work is hugely admired.
“For children, the Luna series of picture books by Joseph Coelho is just one example of some the lovely kids’ titles featuring a Black protagonist. We have included some great adult fiction too, from brilliant writers such as Zadie Smith or Kit de Waal. And for something fun I really like I’ll Bring Dessert by former Bake-Off contestant Benjamina Ebuehi and the Flygerians Cookbook."
Browse the Black British Voices collection
