Black British Book Festival
On 5th October 2024, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Black British Book Festival at the Barbican Centre in London. As a self-identified bibliophile, this was a dream come true. Selina Brown is the founder and CEO of the festival. She created this festival because she wanted a place where Black voices can truly shine. I cannot believe that it has been around for four years! Black British Book Festival has done some amazing things already and was even at the world famous Glastonbury Festival. The Black British Book Festival has been traveling all over the UK and even took its love for books into primary schools. While at the Barbican, I checked out several stalls and got six books. There is literally a book for everyone. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay all day because I had to take Chloe to a birthday party but they had so many talks with some heavy hitters such as Charlene White, Diane Abbott, Eve, and Bola Sol to name a few. I did attend one workshop, Hatchette UK Presents: How Books Find Their Readers (and How Readers Find Their Books). It is my goal to write a book. I am still debating on whether it will be fiction or non-fiction. Honestly, I find so much power in stories. They inspire me, encourage me, and enlighten me. Will definitely make sure to continue to attend any events organised by the Black British Book Festival and bring Chloe next time. So far she enjoys me reading to her and I hope that when she gets older that she will love to read as much as I do.
