This October, Black History Month celebrates “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” a tribute to the resilience, strength and unwavering commitment to progress that defines the Black community across the globe.

It’s a time to reflect on history, achievements and the contributions of Black people in the UK and worldwide, and to ensure their stories are heard and remembered.

To mark the event, Masham Library is featuring a special display on this theme, highlighting stories of influential Black people with links to our local area. Discover the first Black actor to perform on a West End stage, who married a working-class woman from Northallerton; a Jamaican man stationed at RAF Hunmanby Moor during the Second World War; and an American singer turned teacher who was born into slavery and later died a free man in Harrogate.

We can also order in a range of powerful books by Black authors for collection at Masham Library that connect with this year’s theme, including:

• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou – A compelling memoir of her childhood and early life, exploring racism, identity and the power of resilience.
• The Colour Purple by Alice Walker – Follows the journey of Black women in the early 20th century American South, discovering strength, self-worth and the importance of sisterhood.
• The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré – A story of a young Nigerian girl fighting for her education and independence, finding her voice in the face of adversity.
• Don’t Touch My Hair by Emma Dabiri – Explores Black hair, identity, culture and societal pressures, celebrating pride and self-expression.
• An African History of Africa: From the Dawn of Humanity to Independence by Zeinab Badawi – A sweeping non-fiction account highlighting Africa’s achievements, resilience, and diverse contributions across time.

Explore these books and our Black History Month display to uncover inspiring stories of resilience, achievement and pride from around the world and in our own local history.

All News