I was brought up encouraged ‘not to see race’. What comes to mind when you hear this? Such discussion came to light when my English friend and colleague recommended Natives: Race and class in the ruins of empire (hereafter referred to as Natives) to me. She was provided with a copy during her university’s ‘Big Read’, which purposefully chose a thought-provoking book to spark discussions regarding race among staff and pupils. She and I did exactly this; we explored the ignorance behind such common phrases and determined how absurd it was of us to dismiss the complexities of race in a passing comment. Our conversation was a mere fragment of Akala’s masterful, stimulating book. As a popular Hip-Hop Artist, author and social entrepreneur, most recently included in the 100 Most Influential Black British People list, he uses his platform as an active speaker to discuss diversity and inclusion in a wide range of settings. In Natives, he eloquently highlights the impact of inextricably linked race and class through an autobiographical lens, supported by a plethora of historical, socio-economic and political sources from the 1980s to present day (notably published in 2019, prior to the 2020 BLM protests). From being infamously ‘Stopped and Searched’, witnessing murder and enduring racism from teachers all before he was sixteen, Akala leaves no stone unturned by outlining the British Empire’s scandals influencing all aspects of his life.
It’s impossible to list all of the controversial topics covered in Natives. He carefully begins with his childhood in 1980s multi-cultural Camden, drawing readers in with his innocent, naiive perception of life as a mixed-race boy loving martial arts and gifted in Mathematics. This idyllic view of life is imminently shattered when name-called for being mixed race in primary school. From here, he explores the origins of racial bias, issues in education, miseducation of slavery, Windrush Generation, gang culture, the impact of music, the KKK and Britain’s involvement in South African apartheid to name a few. By relaying statistics, reports and quotes from influential leaders, Akala encourages the reader to make their own opinions based on facts. I like how he acknowledges that this tells the story of only one Black Brit, despite the countless multifaceted experiences of others, including myself. This emphasises the importance of education and having seemingly difficult conversations. Well, by reading this book, it’ll make anyone question their role in society.
It is a purposefully heavy book, one that did impact me greatly when reading since it reminded me of the doom and gloom of the world! Although, it is an important read and so gripping I finished it in two days (subtle brag!). Despite the tons of references, the autobiographical nature meant that he makes some interesting remarks particularly regarding American politics and even Brexit, but it sparked me to consider my beliefs and want to challenge him! Akala uses rich vocabulary and many ‘woke’ terms but he explains them well and avoids using them in a tokenistic way which so many newly published books on race seem to include. My other favourite aspect is his celebration of his mixed race culture. From his exhilarating visits to his Mum’s side of the family in Scotland crossing Stinky Bridge eating haggis to his memories growing up London influenced by his Caribbean family calling everyone ‘aunty’ and ‘uncle’. It was comforting to hear the beauty of a range of cultures shaping him as an individual, which was reminiscent of my own childhood.
If you are in a book rut, have nothing to read, want to feel passionate or want to be educated on Black British history…read it! 5/5
Amber Reads something 