On 7th December 2020, we will be hosting the first meeting of the Cardiff Amnesty International Group Human Rights Book Club. As the name suggests, the focus of the book club will be on human rights, but particular topics will be covered over three consecutive books. Our initial focus will be on racism in the United Kingdom and further afield.

The first discussion will be held virtually exploring ​Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire ​by Akala​. Akala, a British-born rapper and author, was recently named on the ​Power List of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the United Kingdom.

‘From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers; race and class have shaped Akala’s life and outlook. In ​Natives​, he takes his own experiences – with education, the police, identity and everything in between – and uses them to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today.’

Natives: Race & Class in the Ruins of Empire

This will be a great book to begin with and an avenue through which we will explore racism in the UK highlighted by the Black Lives Matter Movement. After the first instalment we will open up book suggestions to the group. If you have any reading suggestions remember to note them down or get in touch.

The aim of this book club is to provide a platform for discussion and a means of educating ourselves on a wide range of topics. In an age where click-bait media is the norm, it is important to get a deeper understanding of the facts and engage in discussion, much of which will inform our everyday lives.

The meetings will take place every two months and will begin virtually. ​Our first meeting will be on 7th December 2020 at 7pm​. The book club will be held separately to the usual Cardiff Amnesty Group meetings and will be open to everyone, regardless of whether you are a member of Amnesty or not. If you would like to join us, please get in touch with our Group Secretary, Tomos, at ​amnesty.cardiff@btinternet.com.