Description
'Dawn Butler is a history-making, game-changing, ceiling-smashing politician.
This powerful book offers a fascinating insight into both the personal and political sides of her journey.'
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
'When I was younger my parents taught me to be resilient and my brothers told me to be resistant, and now I think it's time for a revolution. Let's complete the power of three.'
As the third Black woman ever to be elected as an MP, and the first elected African-Caribbean woman to become a Government Minister, Dawn Butler is a true pioneer. Famously ejected from the House of Commons for calling Boris Johnson a liar, her tireless campaigning to eradicate injustice - from the NHS to the Metropolitan Police - has changed lives. Until now, she's never talked openly about what has inspired and motivated her to persevere in the face of oppression.
Drawing on lessons from her own life, Dawn shows how traditional routes to power are outdated and reveals that it's easier than we think to disrupt a broken system. From her early life to the Palace of Westminster, she shares the values, people, places and beliefs that have helped her to forge her own authentic path to power.
Now she is on a mission to give others the courage and conviction to dream big and make positive change, even when everything feels broken around us.
About the Author
Dawn Butler is the Labour MP for Brent Central and stands up for groups and people in society that are often underrepresented. Dawn was named the "most promising feminist under 35" by New Statesman magazine and was honoured as MP of the year at the 2009 Women in Public Life Awards. In 2020 she was named one of the 25 most influential women in the UK by Vogue.
Reviews
A funny, lively authorial voice. There are truths here that indisputably needed telling, and an irrepressibly bouncy confidence that inspires. An unexpectedly warm and uplifting read -- Gaby Hinsliff * The Observer *
Dawn Butler is a history-making, game-changing, ceiling-smashing politician whose passionate campaigning has transformed the lives of thousands. As the first Black woman to speak at the despatch box in Parliament, Dawn has inspired many others to blaze their own paths. This warm, witty and powerful book offers a fascinating insight into both the personal and political sides of her journey. * Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London *
Dawn's story is testimony to her extraordinary abundance of bravery and commitment to seeking and telling the truth in every circumstance.
She constantly fills those around her with hope and encouragement. I am continually inspired by Dawn's positivity and dedication to lifting her community with boldness and unwavering honesty.
Dawn Butler writes like she lives: direct, clear, engaged, empathic, funny, principled, outspoken. She is an inspiration: her book is a triumph. * Gary Younge, author of Dispatches from the Diaspora *
Dawn Butler's book is a testament to her strength and resilience. A rallying cry to rise above adversity and embrace your innate power, it's a source of inspiration and a call to action for people from all walks of life. * Kanya King, CEO & Founder of the MOBO Awards *
Dawn Butler is a trailblazing politician who leads by example: the woman who first christened Boris Johnson a liar whilst others stood back, a great ally to the LGBTQIA community, and she puts that capital D into Diversity, this book is a must-read and will be an inspiration to so many. * Linda Riley, Publisher and Editor of Diva magazine *
The Labour movement is where working class people do extraordinary things. None more so than Dawn, whose incredible journey is testimony to the power of solidarity in transforming lives. She has never forgotten where she comes from. * Gary Smith, General Secretary, GMB *
Dawn Butler's story is one worthy of telling. How a child of the Windrush generation in a life of activism in the Trade Union movement and the wider community became an MP and Britain's first elected Black woman minister. Her courageous battle against cancer adds to a story marked by a determination to overcome all obstacles. This book deserves to be read. * The Rt Hon. the Lord Boateng CVO DL, Britain's first Black Cabinet Minister *
Book Information
ISBN 9781911709329
Author Dawn Butler
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Torva
Publisher Transworld Publishers Ltd
Weight(grams) 440g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 154mm * 30mm
