Hidden Histories with Nova Reid

by Nova Reid

Nova Reid, author of The Good Ally, delves into the untold stories of extraordinary, unsung Black women who created and shaped pivotal moments in world history, British culture and society.

Through powerful storytelling, personal insights and new research, Nova delves into the lives of pioneers, journalists and rule-breakers who made vital contributions to civil rights, yet have been mythologised, are unknown or erased from history.

Such as, legendary warrior Queen Nanny of the Maroons, Cubah Cornwallis - who healed a future king of England, ground-breaking journalist Barbara Blake-Hannah, the revolutionary Olive Morris and Gertrude Paul - a pioneering Yorkshire based headteacher who fought for racial equality in education.

From London to Leeds to Jamaica, Nova transports us through time where we immerse ourselves into the worlds of extraordinary women. Linking their historical impact to present-day legacies, she explores the complex relationship between Britain and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on Jamaica.

Bringing humanity and contemporary thinking to challenging histories, Nova offers an opportunity to reflect on empire and identity, while learning from these remarkable women, their enduring spirits and the powerful roles they play in both our healing and our liberation.

A love-note from Nova…
It’s not all doom and gloom, but this series does cover some themes of suicide, slavery, sexual abuse, racism, and colonial violence. If you choose to proceed, please do so with care. After listening, if you feel like you need further support, please see a list of organisations below who may be able to help you.

Ep 1: Queen Nanny - A Spiritual Warrior

Nova visits the Blue Mountains to retell the life of Queen Nanny, the legendary leader of the Maroons' resistance in Jamaica against British colonial forces. Her story is one of courage, hope and spiritual resilience.

Ep 2: Olive Morris - A Revolutionary Campaigner

Olive was a fearless campaigner for civil rights, women’s liberation and social justice in Britain. This episode delves into the importance of safe spaces and her journey from her involvement in the British Black Panther Movement to co-founding the Brixton Black Women's Group and the Organisation of Women of African and Asian Descent. Nova recalls her life through the people who knew her personally.

Ep 3: Cubah Cornwallis - A Powerful Healer

Cubah, an exceptional herbalist and healer, played a pivotal role in Jamaica during the 18th century. This episode explores her life and the remarkable story of how she healed a future king of England. Nova brings to light her contributions to plant medicine, its influence in Rastafari culture and the often-overlooked well-being of Black women.

Ep 4: Barbara Blake-Hannah - A Trailblazing Journalist

Barbara Blake-Hannah broke barriers as the first Black female reporter on British television. Nova explores Blake-Hannah's ground-breaking career, her challenges in the industry, the politics of representation and how she paved the way for future generations, including broadcaster Charlene White.

Ep 5: Gertrude Paul - A Pioneering Educator

Gertrude Paul was a pioneering headteacher from St Kitts who made significant strides in tackling racism in the British education system. Nova visits Leeds to learn more about Paul’s life and explores the toll of activism
and her tireless commitment to combat racial discrimination.

Ep 6: The Quasheba - An Ode to The Unknown Women

Nova looks into the hidden histories of disobedient women. The unsung resistance of the nameless enslaved women who stood up for themselves through small but mighty acts of protest on plantations, is exemplified by two Black women in different countries, centuries later - Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett-Coverley, a well-loved Jamaican poet, and Dame Jocelyn Barrow, a Trinidad and Tobago born force in British politics. Nova explores their achievements and reflects on the Black women from across the series and the ongoing need for disobedient women to effect change.

Support
samaritans.org
antislavery.org
thesurvivorstrust.org
insideoutwellbeing.org
victimsupport.org.uk
sistahspace.org
galop.org.uk
rapecrisis.org.uk
blackmindsmatteruk.com
BAATN.org.uk
protectblackwomen.com

Mind.org.uk
blackbeetlehealth.co.uk

Hosted and Executive Produced by Nova Reid.
Original Artwork Malaika Francique.
With special thanks to our contributors and our Jamaica fixers - Sharon, Shadae, Ché and Ricky.

Available in Dolby Atmos

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published March 6, 2025

About the author

Nova Reid is an Activist, TED speaker and author, with a mission to improve racial justice by helping people be the change they want to see by courageously unlearning their racism.

Reviews

[Chrissie]

Nova Reid travels to Jamaica to investigate some incredible black women from history. Of Jamaican descent herself, Nova presents evidence that occasionally surprises even her!

There are of course some surprises that were less welcome, and I gasped out loud on occasion.

I loved Nova's presenting style, and, although I already knew of some of the women, I was happy to hear more about them.

I learned a lot, and Nova put a different perspective on a couple of what may be some common misconceptions.

Nova is a Londoner like me, which was also nice!

A great addition to my black history library.

[Susanna Bullmam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. Nova explored the lives of pioneering Black women some I knew a little about but also introducing me to new women. While the style including interviews lends it self to being an audiobook I hope it will be published in written format too.

[Emma Dargue · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 

This was an interesting look at trailblazers within the black community who are women. Nova Reid explains and investigates the impact that these women had on the lives of black women and how their advocacy helped to improve and highlight inequalities in how people were living. Nova Reid presents these stories in a really engaging way and would love to hear more.

[LeAnn L Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book highlights untold stories of extraordinary Black women. Women who created and shaped pivotal moments in world history.

[Asha Shinde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting to learn about so many women whose names and lives should be remembered

[Hilary Cockshaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Nicky Maunder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised when stumbled across this one in the Audible plus library as I’m keen to learn more about Black history. In this quick read, Reid takes you across notable (but not well known) Black people from as far back as the 18th century right up to modern times, from across the globe.

I really enjoyed this one because Reid uncovers a plethora of unknown powerhouses from Black history, from literal warriors in faraway places, to trailblazers in modern society battling sexism/mysogyny and racism. This was educational and emotional, and Reid’s narration really adds to the impact as she uses interviews and her own reflections as she uncovers common themes that wind through these stories - that of heartache, grief and death at an early age.

[Mikki D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intense, powerful, and deeply insightful. The Hidden Stories shines a long-overdue light on the lives of remarkable women whose courage, resilience, and sacrifice have been all but erased from mainstream history.

Nova Reid honours these unsung female warriors with the respect and reverence they deserve, weaving their stories into a compelling narrative that is both emotional and enlightening. It’s impossible to read without feeling a deep sense of injustice at how easily these contributions have been forgotten—or deliberately ignored. But Reid doesn't let them stay hidden. She brings them to life on the page with care, clarity, and purpose.

The book is not always easy to read—nor should it be—but it is necessary. It challenges, it informs, and most importantly, it remembers.

5/5 – A moving, vital tribute to the women history tried to forget. Their stories matter, and this book ensures they’re finally seen.