Heart of the Race is a powerful corrective to a version of Britain's history from which black women have long been excluded. It reclaims and records black women's place in that history, documenting their day-to-day struggles, their experiences of education, work and health care, and the personal and political struggles they have waged to preserve a sense of identity and community. First published in 1985 and winner of the Martin Luther King Memorial Prize that year, Heart of the Race is a testimony to the collective experience of black women in Britain, and their relationship to the British state throughout its long history of slavery, empire and colonialism. This new edition includes an introduction by Lola Okolosie and an interview with the authors, chaired by Heidi Mirza, focusing on the impact of their book since publication, and its continuing relevance today.

A powerful account of the day-to-day realities of Black women in Britain

About the Author
Beverley Bryan is a founding member of the Organisation of Women of Asian and African Descent and recently retired from the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, as Professor of Language Education.

Stella Dadzie is also a founder member of OWAAD. Her career as a writer, speaker and education activist spans over 40 years, gaining her an international reputation in her field.

Suzanne Scafe is an Associate Professor of Literature at London South Bank University. She was a member of OWAAD and the Brixton Black Women's Group.

Reviews
A balanced tribute to the undefeated creativity, resilience and resourcefulness of Black women in Britain today. -- Margaret Busby * New Society *
A long overdue opportunity to set the record straight. A considerable achievement. * Guardian *
Vivid. * National Geographic Traveller *
As relevant as ever ... Heart of the Race gives a huge amount of insight into black women's agency and activism in British history. -- Institute of Race Relations
A feminist classic. -- Bernardine Evaristo * Times Literary Supplement *
A scholarly examination of black women's position in British society via the prism of slavery, colonialism and migration. * Camden New Journal *
A groundbreaking book ... which helped educate generations of women about the struggles and triumphs of Black women in Britain. -- Tobi Thomas * Guardian *
A pioneering work that serves as a bedrock for our book as well as the discourse around intersectional feminism in the UK -- Yomi Adegoke * Observer *



Book Information
ISBN 9781786635860
Author Beverley Bryan
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Verso Books
Publisher Verso Books
Weight(grams) 376g
Dimensions(mm) 210mm * 140mm * 21mm