Let's Talk About Race

Let’s Talk About Race is a series of student-led sessions, where each month the group will discuss a different book, to learn more about and discuss race issues in the UK. Everyone is welcome!

Past events
Book club discussion | All welcome | Wed 22 Jul

In this first session, an interview-style discussion centred around issues raised in the book: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge. This discussion was facilitated by Rachelle Wabissa and Tanya Chiganze, students from the University of Bath.

Everyone is welcome to participate in this discussion or if you prefer to listen and absorb. If you are unable to access the book we have further resources below that can enrich your understanding of this subject. If you are a student or member of staff at the University of Bath, this book is available online at the Library

Reni Eddo-Lodge is a London-based, award-winning journalist. She has written for the New York Times, the Voice, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent, Stylist, Inside Housing, the Pool, Dazed and Confused, and the New Humanist. She is the winner of a Women of the World Bold Moves Award, an MHP 30 to Watch Award and was chosen as one of the Top 30 Young People in Digital Media by the Guardian in 2014. She has also been listed in Elle’s 100 Inspirational Women list and The Root’s 30 Black Viral Voices Under 30.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race is her first book. It won the 2018 British Book Awards Non-Fiction Narrative Book of the Year, the 2018 Jhalak Prize, was chosen as Foyles Non-Fiction Book of the Year and Blackwell’s Non-Fiction Book of the Year was longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize and the Orwell Prize and shortlisted for the Books Are My Bag Readers Award for Non-Fiction.

Every voice raised against racism chips away at its power. We can’t afford to stay silent. This book is an attempt to speak.

This is a book that has sparked a national conversation. Exploring everything from eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race, Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race is the essential handbook for anyone who wants to understand race relations in Britain today.

Tanya Chiganze

Hi! I’m Tanya. I study architecture here at the University of Bath so basically the studio is my second home. As well as that I’m an artist, latin dancer, skater and music fiend. My love of culture is almost built within me. Growing up in Wales and seeing the contrast to my Zimbabwean family culture has given me a love for laughter and places of joy. Overall, I’m passionate about having these important conversations and spreading awareness of how to combat injustice. Come and join our cosy chat!

Find out more

For Black Lives Matter resources and donation pages, click here.

Rachelle Wabissa

Hi, my name is Rachelle Wabissa! I have been a refugee and an asylum seeker and lived in a four-bedroom council estate with five younger siblings and mother. Now, I am a University of Bath Student with a competitive scholarship that has introduced me to a world I would have never had access to.

Follow me as I navigate the pitfalls of university life…

Find out more

Charlotte Appleyard

Hello, my name is Charlotte and I work at The Edge as the University Arts Assistant, where I support in student arts activities on campus. It has been so exciting working on this project and as a result, learning so much about the Black Lives Matter Movement and how I can act most effectively as an ally.

Podcasts

• - About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge
  From the author behind Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race, comes a podcast that takes the conversation a step further. Featuring key voices from the last few decades of anti-racist activism, About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge looks at recent history that has led to the politics of today.

Documentaries and TV

• - Black Lives Matter Netflix collection

Books

There are some wonderful free resources for students and staff at the University of Bath Library

• - New e-books added to the Black Literature and Culture collection

• - Black Minds Matter

“At Black Minds Matter U.K. our mission is to connect Black individuals and families with free professional mental health services across the U.K. We aim to do this by making mental health topics relevant and accessible for all Black people in the U.K.”

Looking for some great film and television to entertain you during lockdown? Our hosts Tanya and Rachelle have some fantastic recommendations.

Check out our Instagram for more recommendations and content