Macmillan Black History for Every Day of the Year.

by David Olusoga, Yinka Olusoga

A unique celebration of well-known figures and unsung heroes, famous cultural moments and hidden histories, from ancient times to today

“Inspiring, accessible and meticulously researched . . . invaluable, fascinating, often heartbreaking resource for anyone, teen or adult, with an interest in history.”—The Guardian

Did you know that Aretha Franklin was the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame? Or that the first accounts of a Black samurai in Japan date back almost 500 years ago? Written by historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his siblings, professor Yinka Olusoga and artist Kemi Olusoga, Black History for Every Day of the Year is an illuminating overview of consequential people, places, and events in Black history. Accompanied by photos, quotes, and illustrations, these 366 entries will take you on a journey across global history, from the ancient Kingdom of Kush to the Black Lives Matter movement. You’ll learn about unsung heroes from history, as well as contemporary figures and events.

Activists: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X
Athletes: Jackie Robinson, Venus and Serena Williams, Simone Biles
Authors and Poets: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Amanda Gorman
Musicians: Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé
Public Figures: Kofi Annan, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Kamala Harris
Scientists: Alice Ball, Katherine Johnson, Neil deGrasse Tyson
Movies and Art: the Benin Bronzes, Hamilton, Black Panther
Events: the Tulsa Race Massacre, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Selma to Montgomery Marches

With accounts of triumph and celebration, ingenuity and creativity, alongside tales of racism and oppression, hope and resistance, Black History for Every Day of the Year gives you something new to learn every day—a rich history that is relevant to us all.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

512 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely in the running for my 2024 book of the year. Absolutely essential reading. Oddly as published by Macmillan’s children’s books, but this is for all ages. Running through 365 people and events - all of which history should be known by everyone - this makes compelling reading. Having read all the entries, I will now keep this by my side for at least another year and read them all again one entry per day. There is much more in here as well - the black history timeline at the end of the book are brilliant. I can’t recommend this enough.

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while a book comes along that has a powerful impact; a book that causes you to pause and reflect ; a book that educates, celebrates and broadens awareness and ultimately one that you want everyone to read .

David Olusoga, Yinka Olusoga and Kemi Olusoga have created an astounding book- yes, it is a reference daily " dip-in " book with facts for a year but this is so much more.

Covering Black History going back centuries and across continents, this is a book that celebrates and brings attention to well-known, forgotten and unknown figures who change the course of history through their determination to fight oppression, push the boundaries in the arts, sport science and much more

It also highlights key moments in history - the battles to free enslaved people; the persecution of thousands, the horrors of history- especially wars but also the pivotal moments that made change. The events and people who campaigned and battled for recognition and change that still have an impact today. It is drawing attention to these events that allows us all to recognise the importance of not forgetting the past and never letting history repeat itself.

This is also a book of recognising originality and talent and strength - the joyous creativity of musicians, singers and artists ; the academic genius of people at the forefront of change in medicine and science -the forgotten vanguards of brilliance and those men and women who stood their ground to gain equality and recognition ( especially within the army)

Thus is a book that should be in every school ( and home) across the country - this is a book for all ages - young and old.

Not just a book of 2024 but an important compendium to inform and inspire - an absolute power punch of a read

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book that should act as a gateway to further reading on some fascinating stories. The coverage is broad and eclectic, including the forgotten or under-represented as well as the obvious. In December alone you can range from the ubiquitous Rosa Parks, to the first known Black voter in England Ignatius Sancho, to LeBron James, to Dr Patricia Bath, to Star Trek's Nichelle Nicols. I had no idea that Three Muskeeters author Alexandre Dumas was Black, nor that Chicago law enforcement had conspired with the FBI to murder Black Panther Fred Hampton.

Published by Macmillan's children press, this is equally valuable for adults.

Deducted 1 star for some random typos and the lack of a further reading list or other sources.

[Edson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much needed book that serves a primer for notable Black people and events in history. I discovered quite a few people (especially in the first third) that led me to purchasing more books!!!

However, I had three major issues with it:

* Too Anglophone and *sometimes* Francophone centric.
* The inclusion of some folks seemed to just fill in dates. This could have perhaps been ameliorated by looking at contributions from the Lusophone, Spanish, and many other worlds.
* Certain notable people not having images was an interesting choice. Not everyone will know what Nichola Nichols or LeBron James look like. Can they research? Yes. But, it still seems like weird omissions.

Do pick up a copy!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful 365 day compendium of important black history figures. Suitable for children and adults alike, this book is uplifting and enriching and so full of incredibly brave and impactful personalities.

[Jasmine - The Librarian's Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant and inspiring book for all, but especially teenagers, to read. incredibly accessible. It was a pleasure to read this with my students for the Information Book Award, they also thought this book was brilliant.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black history organised into easily digestible pieces for each day of the year. This book is suitable for all ages.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting collection of Black history people, events and places. I have enjoyed David Olusoga's books and I'm glad he wrote this with his two sisters.

[Abi Pellinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent this a year ago by the lovely folks over at BookBreak and I've been reading one entry each day ever since. I really enjoyed reading this every single day of the year. I am very excited.

I really enjoyed learning something about Black history. It was a lot of British Black history, but there was also stuff from Africa, the Americas, and more. And I learned so much, but it was also really curious to see which events and which people's entries fell on what dates. It was also good to have that constant reminder each day of something that was from Black history. So I really enjoyed that and I would really really recommend this.

It was just so enjoyable to have it every single day of the year. The illustrations are stunning in this and you will learn a lot as well as just being consistently reminded of things that are really important. So I highly highly recommend this book and yeah, absolutely loved it.