Still Breathing: 100 Black Voices on Racism--100 Ways to Change the Narrative

by Suzette Llewellyn, Suzanne Packer

‘A timely book and a conversation starter on race in Britain.’ Rachel Edwards, Author of Darling and Lucky ‘A timely book in a year that has made clear that Britain still has a very long way to go towards becoming the model of racial equality it aims to be.’ Kenya Hunt ‘Powerful and sometimes painful testimonies but they also provide uplifting and enriching experiences.’ Stephen Bourne ‘I'm so proud to hold this book in my hand. We are here in all our richness.’ Adjoa Andoh, Actor, Director ‘This book is such a moving read for everyone of all ages and races.’ Colin Jackson, CBE ‘A reinforcement of evocative truths that hurt and sting deeply but also empower tremendously.’ Sharon Duncan-Brewster The whole world is watching. 25 May, 2020. George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, is killed in Minneapolis while being arrested. His death, witnessed by horrified bystanders, is captured on camera – and within hours has spread far and wide across social media. We’re all bystanders now. The protests that follow express shock, sorrow, and outrage. Because what’s happened, has happened before – away from witnesses and cameras. The story didn’t begin here, and this is not where it ends… STILL BREATHING assembles a cast of 100 black voices to talk about their experiences of racism in Britain. Actresses Suzette Llewellyn (Eastenders) and Suzanne Packer (Holby City) are joined by musicians, Members of Parliament, poets, artists, athletes, civil servants, doctors, lawyers, and more. Touching on Windrush and the workplace, race riots and reforms, these essays seek to educate, to bear witness – and to offer hope for a better future, in Britain and around the world.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2021

Reviews

[Pamela Usai · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Still Breathing: 100 Voices Black Voices on a Racism" is a collection of stark and unapologetic stories on what it means to a Black person in Britain. In response to George Floyd's murder in 2020, these individuals share their stories to show how despite the racism they have faced in their childhood, school years and eventual careers, they are 'still breathing'. From NHS nurses, to university students, to journalists, to artists and activists, 100 solutions are offered to readers, to not only break barriers and shift paradigms in the uncomfortable discussions surrounding prejudice and bigotry against People of Color, but to also inspire change. Two of the stories that stuck with me after reading were both by NHS nurses, who on separate occasions were asked by patients whether the color of their skin would 'bleed' onto those of the white people under their care - infuriating initially, then exasperating once realising these comments were borne out of ignorance, and a broken system.

When it comes to hearing compelling life accounts, this is the kind of anthology that I want to read: one that shows the "other" side, the side that is often silenced or overlooked or dismissed. As a High School Literature teacher, the number of times I have seen the essays of George Orwell studied as a prime nonfiction piece, or James Joyces' semi-autobiographical novel "Portrait of the Young Man as an Artist" reminds me that diversification of the lives we consciously share in educational settings still needs work.

Thank you Harper Inspire from an early review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The voices we hear in Still Breathing belong to a multitude of people from all walks of life: actors, artists, trainees, scientists, educators, medical professionals, religious leaders, spearheads of LGBT+ movements, people with disabilities, and so many more. While it's normally enjoyable to see the amazing, wide-ranging experiences of Black people/people of African descent, as described in the book, it's similarly disheartening to see that racism and racial issues are so wide-ranging in the way they're expressed. No one person in this collection of 100 voices has experienced racism in the same way. It's an eye-opening examination of how we have a long way to go before we can truly accept that our country is 'not racist', as they claim to be.

Thank you to the publisher and the editors for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[michelle tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent collection showcasing black voices, in the aftermath of George Floyd's murder. Really interesting perspectives from across varied industries, sharing their experiences of racism but through a black British lens.

This was at times deeply saddening, but also really educational and thought-provoking.

Each story was different, both in style and tone and I think this made it more accessible.

Would recommend to everyone.