From weaponising England flags to DEI cuts, society has increased hostility towards diversity. Requests to remove books from libraries are increasing in the UK. And a recent Index on Censorship exposé revealed that over 130 books were targeted for removal from a Manchester school library, The Lowry Academy, in November 2025.

The list of books for removal includes several books by Black women authors, such as Bernadine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other, Reni Eddo-Lodge’s Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race and Michelle Obama’s Becoming. But the school describes the book removals as an “audit” rather than a ban, according to The Mill.

As a Black woman journalist and author, I’m increasingly aware of the importance of sharing Black stories. As a journalist, I’ve pitched stories about the Black community in majority-white newsrooms that wouldn’t have been suggested if I weren't present. On the other hand, I’ve also had pieces rejected and called “too niche” for the publication’s mainstream audience. But the encouragement I’ve received from Black people and allies about work written through the lens of a Black British woman fuels me to continue. Likewise, reading Black women’s literature has helped me feel seen and validated my voice – even if the majority may not understand.