This book is an inspiring tribute to the incredible contributions of Black figures throughout history. It highlights both well-known leaders and often-overlooked trailblazers who have shaped the world in profound ways. The stories are engaging and well-researched, making history come alive with vivid detail, and offering readers a chance to celebrate resilience, innovation, and courage, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the Black experience across time. It's especially important to ensure that young people have access to books which offer a real history of our world - one which includes the widest possible variety of ethnicity, culture, and experience. There's no doubt I'll be recommending the book to my school library and history department, as well as buying for myself.

A must-read for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of history and be inspired by these extraordinary lives.

ARC via Netgalley

Once in a while a book comes along that has a powerful impact; a book that causes you to pause and reflect ; a book that educates, celebrates and broadens awareness and ultimately one that you want everyone to read .

David Olusoga, Yinka Olusoga and Kemi Olusoga have created an astounding book- yes, it is a reference daily " dip-in " book with facts for a year but this is so much more.

Covering Black History going back centuries and across continents, this is a book that celebrates and brings attention to well-known, forgotten and unknown figures who change the course of history through their determination to fight oppression, push the boundaries in the arts, sport science and much more

It also highlights key moments in history - the battles to free enslaved people; the persecution of thousands, the horrors of history- especially wars but also the pivotal moments that made change. The events and people who campaigned and battled for recognition and change that still have an impact today. It is drawing attention to these events that allows us all to recognise the importance of not forgetting the past and never letting history repeat itself.

This is also a book of recognising originality and talent and strength - the joyous creativity of musicians, singers and artists ; the academic genius of people at the forefront of change in medicine and science -the forgotten vanguards of brilliance and those men and women who stood their ground to gain equality and recognition ( especially within the army)

Thus is a book that should be in every school ( and home) across the country - this is a book for all ages - young and old.

Not just a book of 2024 but an important compendium to inform and inspire - an absolute power punch of a read

Highly recommended .