“Inspiring, accessible and meticulously researched . . . an invaluable, fascinating, often heartbreaking resource for anyone, teen or adult, with an interest in history” (The Guardian), by leading Black British historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his two siblings
Did you know that Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Or that the first accounts of a Black samurai in Japan date back almost 500 years ago? From the reign of Great Zimbabwe in medieval Africa to the establishment of Juneteenth as a national holiday in 2021, there is so much to discover about Black history and the people who have shaped it.
Written by David Olusoga, one of the best-known historians in the UK, and his siblings, professor Yinka Olusoga and illustrator Kemi Olusoga, Black History for Every Day of the Year will give you new insights on the impacts of Black history on our society today. With one entry for every day of the year, including leap day, you’ll learn about unsung heroes from history, as well as contemporary figures and events, including:
- Activists: Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Toussaint L’Ouverture
- Athletes: Simone Biles, Jackie Robinson, Venus and Serena Williams
- Authors and poets: Amanda Gorman, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin
- Musicians: Beyoncé, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder
- Public Figures and Politicians: Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kofi Annan, Kamala Harris
- Scientists: Katherine Johnson, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Alice Ball
- Movies and Art: Black Panther, Moonlight, The Benin Bronzes
- Events: the Selma to Montgomery Marches, the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Civil Rights Act of 1964
With hope and celebration alongside tales of racism and resistance, Black History for Every Day of the Year will give you something new to learn every day and change the way you view world history.
Praise for the UK Edition
“Inspiring, accessible and meticulously researched, this ‘journey through time and space’ is crammed with people, places and events of significance in Black—and global—history. Beginning on January 1, with the Year of Africa (1960, when 17 African nations gained independence from colonial rule), it features activists, actors, scientists and artists, protest movements from Victorian anti-slavery campaigns to Black Lives Matter, and pivotal moments that marked or became the catalyst for change. With carefully curated content ranging from the well known to the more obscure, photos, illustrations, quotations and poetry, it’s an invaluable, fascinating, often heartbreaking resource for anyone, teen or adult, with an interest in history.”—The Guardian, One of the Five Best Young Adult Books of 2024
“An almanac that details the varied history of Black people across the world.”—Financial Times
“It’s perfect to dip in and out of in bite-sized pieces in October and beyond. . . . This gorgeous hardback reveals a rich history that is relevant to us all.”—Black Ballad
“These 365 entries span everything from the Empire Windrush to film director Jordan Peele (Get Out) via other, often lesser known, but no less vivid chapters in our shared history.”—The Observer
“This is an important and valuable book. It deserves to be read and devoured by everyone.”—Books for Keeps
“. . . engrossing and fascinating exploration of Black history.”―School Reading List
“Inspiring, accessible and meticulously researched. . . . An invaluable, fascinating, often heartbreaking resource for anyone, teen or adult, with an interest in history.”―The Guardian (five of the best young adult books of 2024)