Episode 15: Celebrating Black History Month in the Church, with Richard Reddie

The Roots for Churches podcast

Melanie explores the significance of Black History Month in the church setting with Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Richard shares the vital contributions of black people to British history and the UK church.

While in previous years, Black History month focussed on Martin Luther King Jr and the transatlantic slave trade, we reflect on the influence of the Windrush generation on the UK church. Richard also addresses common concerns about the authenticity of celebrating Black History Month in less diverse congregations and the importance of breaking the silence on racism.

Join us as we learn how any church can honour Black History Month meaningfully, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich, often overlooked contributions of black Christians. Discover resources and practical steps to engage your congregation in this essential journey of justice and inclusion.

Show Links:

• Book: African Kings by Ricky Strachan
• Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) produce resources for BHM to provide a fulsome understanding of this annual celebration. www.ctbi.org
• The Baptist Union's Visions of Colour resource contains material that can be used throughout the year, including Black History Month.
• Keep the Faith magazine produces an annual Black History Month special which is available in October.

Richard's Recommended Books

General

Adedibu, Babatunde. Coat of Many Colours. Wisdom Summit. 2012.

Aldred, Joe. Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-Determination. SCM. 2024.

Dixon McKenzie, Dulcie A., Pauline E. Muir, and Monique M. Ingalls. Black British Gospel Music: From the Windrush Generation to Black Lives Matter. 1st ed. Routledge. 2024.

Reddie, Richard. Race for Justice: The struggle for equality and inclusion in British and Irish churches. Monarch Books. 2022.

Sturge, Mark. Look What the Lord Has Done!: An Exploration of Black Christian Faith in Britain. Scripture Union Publishing. 2005.

Smith, S.A. British black gospel: The foundations of this vibrant UK sound. Monarch Books. 2009.

Adult

Adi, Hakim. Black Voices on Britain: Selected Writings. Macmillan Collector's Library. 2022.

Bourne, Stephen. Black Poppies: Britain's Black Community and the Great War. The History Press. 2nd Ed. 2019.

Bourne, Stephen. Under Fire: Black Britain in Wartime 1939–45. The History Press. 2020.

Dabydeen, David, Gilmore, John and Jones, Cecilia. The Oxford Companion to Black British History. Oxford University Press. 2007.

Fryer, Peter. Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain Paperback. Pluto Press. 2018.

Gilroy, Paul and Hall, Stuart. Black Britain: A Photographic History Paperback. Saqi Books. 2011.

Kaufmann, Miranda Black Tudors: The Untold Story. One World Press. 2018.

Olusoga, David. Black and British: A Forgotten History. Picador. 2021.

Olusoga, David. The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained. DK Publishers. 2021.

Vernon, Patrick and Osborne, Angelina. 100 Great Black Britons. Robinson. 2021.

McMillan, Michael. The Front Room: Diaspora Migrant Aesthetics in the Home. Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd: Revised edition. 2023.

Renfrew, Barry. Britain's Black Regiments: Fighting for Empire and Equality. The History Press. 2020.

Walker, Robin, Marshall, Vanika, Berry, Paula and Vaughn, Anthony. Black British History: Black Influences on British Culture (1948 to 2016): 32 Hours of Teaching and Learning Material for Parents, Guardians, and Teachers of Secondary School Students. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. 2017.

Warner, Tony. Black History Walks. Jacaranda Books. 2022.

Children and young people

Atinuke and Nebechi, Kingsley. Brilliant Black British History. Bloomsbury Children's Books. 2024.

Harper, Mireille. Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies. DK Children. 2020.

Harrison, Vashti. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Puffin. 2019.

Mensah, Millie. The Black Curriculum Migration: Journeys Through Black British History. DK Children. 2022.

Narjee, Lania. The Black Curriculum Legacies: Black British Pioneers. DK Children. 2022.

Olusoga, David et al. Black and British: An Illustrated History. Macmillan Children's Books. 2021.

Olusoga, David. Black and British: A short, essential history. Macmillan Children's Books. 2020.

Walker, Robin. Black History Matters. Franklin Watts. 2021.

Williams, J.T. Williams and Vives, Angela. Bright Stars of Black British History. Thames and Hudson. 2023.