The Black British Book Festival: A Celebration of Creativity and a Call for Change
The Barbican is about to witness a remarkable transformation as its foyer buzzes with the energy of Black British storytelling. The Black British Book Festival (BBBF) has grown from a small gathering to a major cultural event, now in its fifth year. But this festival is more than just a literary celebration; it's a powerful statement on the state of Black literature and a call to address the systemic issues within the publishing industry.
The Birth of a Movement:
BBBF was founded by Selina Brown in 2021, a response to the frustrating reality that a book featuring a Black girl on the cover might not sell. Brown's determination led to the creation of a space that has since grown into a year-round cultural phenomenon. From a one-day festival to a series of major events across the UK, BBBF has collaborated with Glastonbury, opened libraries, and launched a children's book festival with Sir Lenny Henry as the headliner.
A Platform for Black British Literature:
The festival's mission is clear: to give Black British literature the platform and investment it deserves. This year's lineup at the Barbican includes renowned figures like Denise Lewis, Marcus Ryder, Jordan Stephens, and June Sarpong. The festival offers a diverse range of events, from political discussions to children's storytelling, panel talks with leading Black authors, and workshops for aspiring writers. It's a space where writers and readers can connect and celebrate the joy of Black creativity.
A Community's Need and Desire:
Marcus Ryder, co-founder of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, highlights the unique experience of Black British people, constantly navigating the perception of Britishness. The festival, he says, is a self-fulfilling prophecy, a place where people who've faced similar struggles find a sense of belonging. But Ryder also points to a stark contrast: while BBBF thrives, the publishing landscape around it struggles.
The Publishing Paradox:
The post-2020 boom in Black literature, sparked by the Black Lives Matter movement, seemed promising. Sales of books by writers of color soared in the UK. However, this surge proved short-lived. Leading Black literary figures and industry analyses reveal that UK publishing is now less accessible to Black authors than before. The promised broadening of publishing's output hasn't materialized, and the representation of Black characters in children's books has declined significantly.
A Broken Model:
Ryder attributes this to a broken publishing financial model. Despite the success of books like Reni Eddo-Lodge's 'Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race,' the industry's focus remains on trends rather than the intrinsic value of Black literature. The festival, he argues, is essential because it operates outside this flawed model, setting its own agenda and narratives, independent of publishing houses.
A Counterweight to Hostility:
In a politically tense and culturally divided UK, with racist riots and far-right marches on the rise, the festival offers a much-needed counterbalance. While Ryder acknowledges this role, he emphasizes that the festival's agenda should not be dictated by white concerns. Instead, it should set its own course, addressing the needs and interests of Black people.
A Permanent Cultural Assertion:
Jordan Stephens, of Rizzle Kicks fame, reflects on the enduring nature of this energy in Britain, citing his father's experiences with racist organizations. The festival, in this context, serves as a reminder of Black excellence. However, Stephens also points out the limitations of representation, often confined to Black History Month. BBBF, therefore, becomes a statement of cultural permanence, fostering a community of creatives and thinkers, reminiscent of historical renaissances like the Harlem Renaissance.
Controversy and Comment:
The festival's success raises questions about the publishing industry's commitment to diversity. Is the current financial model truly supportive of Black literature? Should literature, as a cornerstone of democracy, receive state funding to ensure underrepresented groups have a voice? These are discussions that the festival encourages, inviting attendees and readers alike to reflect on the importance of Black creativity and the changes needed to sustain it.
The Black British Book Festival is a testament to the power of community and a catalyst for much-needed conversations. It's a celebration of Black British storytelling and a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable literary landscape.
