A Camberwell-based author who has been writing black history books for 30 years, has adapted his most successful book for children ‘to address the need for more lessons in black British history’.
Stephen Bourne published Black Poppies back in 2014 and has now written a child-friendly version of what he calls his “most successful book”. It tells real stories about Britain’s black community during the First World War (WW1).
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“Teachers and parents who were concerned about the lack of resources for black children in Britain inspired it,” he told the News.
“They had read the original Black Poppies, and started asking me to adapt it for children so they could start teaching them about it.”
Stephen says when it comes to black British history, the school curriculum is not yet up-to-scratch: “Schoolchildren are still being taught about African-Americans, but not black British stories. It’s great to learn about Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King – but what about black British heroes? These kids have nothing to relate to.
“The reality is, publishers aren’t publishing black British history books for children. And that’s a problem.
“Teachers are keen to change the curriculum, but they need resources,” he added.
In terms of adapting his 2014 book, he said it was easier than he thought it would be: “You just have to bring it more to their level. When I was redrafting the adult version, I was thinking how I would explain this to an eight year old.”
This book is only the beginning, as Stephen explained he wants to write more books of this kind, to fill the gap: “I’m now realising in order to enlighten people and change peoples mindsets, you have to start with kids.”
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As well as telling the story of how black people helped Britain fight during WW1, he said there’s a lot of positive stories just about black people from that era. “For example, my aunt Esther was a black Londoner and she told me all about her experience. It was very important to broaden the story.”
He added that the book’s already had lots of positive comments from teachers.
Anyone wanting to get their hands on a copy can get it from most libraries across the borough or it’s available to buy here.
Stephen will be doing a book-signing on Saturday at the Imperial War Museum, from 11am-4pm.