Equality and Diversity UK Anti-Racism Book Club

What is the Anti-Racism Book Club?

Welcome to the Anti-Racism Leadership Book Club! Our mission is to explore and discuss literature that enriches our understanding of race equality, diversity, and inclusion. Through thought-provoking discussions, we aim to create a space for open dialogue and shared learning.

The next meeting is 3rd December 2025: 6 pm to 7 pm

We invite you to read one of the following four books in advance of our discussion. Each offers a unique and educational perspective on race, identity, and leadership:

Join us for an engaging discussion!

Registration Form

At this meeting, we will be discussing

I Heard What You Said: A Black Teacher, A White System by Jeffrey Boakye

A thought-provoking and fearless exploration of how we can dismantle racism in the classroom and do better by all our students.

Before Jeffrey Boakye was a black teacher, he was a black student. Which means he has spent a lifetime navigating places of learning that are white by default. Since training to teach, he has often been the only black teacher at school. At times seen as a role model, at others a source of curiosity, Boakye’s is a journey of exploration – from the outside looking in.

In the groundbreaking I Heard What You Said, he recounts how it feels to be on the margins of the British education system. As a black, male teacher – an English teacher who has had to teach problematic texts – his very existence is a provocation to the status quo, giving him a unique perspective on the UK’s classrooms.

Told through a series of eye-opening encounters based on the often challenging and sometimes outrageous things people have said to him or about him – from ‘Can you rap?‘ and ‘Have you been in prison?‘ to ‘Stephen who?‘ – Boakye reflects with passion and wit on what he has found out about the presumptions, silences and distortions that underpin the experience of black students and teachers.

Guardian Review

Amazon link

Read sample

Play sample

Future Book CLub Selections: Stay tuned for our upcoming book selections!
We aim to cover a wide range of genres, authors, and topics to ensure diverse representation.

Why Join?

Fostering Understanding: Join us to delve into books that challenge perspectives and deepen our understanding of diverse cultures, identities, and experiences. Whether you're passionate about social justice or simply love good literature, this club offers a meaningful way to engage with these important topics.
Community Engagement: Connect with like-minded individuals who are committed to promoting equality and diversity. Share your thoughts, learn from others, and be part of a community that values inclusivity and respect.

How It Works

Six weekly Reads: Each month, we select a book that reflects themes of race equality and diversity. We then gather to discuss the book in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Discussion Format: Discussions are typically held online to accommodate everyone's schedules, ensuring that all voices are heard. Each session is moderated to encourage respectful and constructive conversations.

How to Join

Sign-Up Information: Interested in joining? Sign up [here] to receive updates on our book selections and meeting times. All are welcome, regardless of prior knowledge or background.

Feedback and Suggestions

Have a Book in Mind? We value your input! If you have a book recommendation or an anti-racism topic you'd like to explore, please let us know. Our goal is to make the club as inclusive and reflective of our members' interests as possible.

Contact Information