#new beacon books

This film by journalist Arwa Aburawa delves into the radical history of Britain’s first black bookshop which was founded by John La Rose and Sarah White in 1966. As well as creating a much needed space for black communities to access and publish their own literature, it helped support important campaigns such as the Caribbean Artists Movement, the Black Parents Movement as well as playing a pivotal role in the historic Black Peoples Day of Action. Decades on, ‘New Beacon Books’ is still a functioning bookshop but in a world of Amazon and Kindles can it really survive forever?

New Beacon Books, N4. Stroud Green community hub and the first Caribbean and Black interest publisher in the UK; New Beacon is the bookshop of the radical George Padmore institute. They host an incredible wide range of BME and political titles as well as a very strong selection of international and multi cultural children’s books. I particularly appreciated their critical thinking section which has to be a must browse for anyone currently studying or flirting with studying a contemporary literature course. A fantastic resource with an important message of strength in diversity. A very warm welcome lies in wait inside for you. This autumn they celebrate their 50th year! High time for your turn to pay them a visit. http://www.georgepadmoreinstitute.org/the-pioneering-years/new-beacon-books-early-history