Product Description
The Shoulders We Stand On: How Black and Brown People Fought for Change in the United Kingdom
Author: Preeti Dhillon
Format: Paperback
Shortlisted for the HWA Non-Fiction Crown 2024
Eastern Eye‘s Non-Fiction Book of the Year 2023
The UK is grappling with big questions about belonging, equality and the legacies of Empire and Colonialism. We’ve been here before. Embracing a broader history that encompasses all British people, The Shoulders We Stand On is fundamental to a better understanding of the past and gives many more people who fought for our future a voice in the present.
Have you heard of the Indian Workers’ Association? The Grunwick Strike? The Brixton Black Women’s Group? The Battle of Brick Lane? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. The Shoulders We Stand On tells the stories of ten remarkable movements, campaigns and organisations led by Black and Brown people across Britain from the sixties to the eighties that fought against racism and capitalism and impacted the way we live now.
Researcher and historian Preeti Dhillon wants us to reclaim the history that has been kept from us, and use these vital movements and inspirational moments to better understand the UK we live in today and how change happens.
There is a long and deep history of activism by Black and Brown people spanning the UK. Their stories can inspire all of us to make a difference, just as they did. The Shoulders We Stand On is a book of hope. Hope that together we can make a difference, that together we are powerful, and that we don’t have to tackle society’s challenges alone.
We’re not alone, we’ve been here before and this is the book we all need now.
Filled with inspiring narratives, Preeti Dhillon uncovers crucial moments from our history. If you loved the books Natives and Brit(ish), the TV series Small Axe or the film Pride, don’t miss The Shoulders We Stand On.
‘One of the most important books I’ve ever read . . . this history matters and should never, ever, be forgotten’ — Dr Priya Atwal, Royals and Rebels
‘A vital contribution to our culture . . . This is beautiful storytelling’ — Mona Arshi, Somebody Loves You
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