The events of this year, the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd, the toppling of the Colston statue in Bristol, and mass protest in countries around the world, all point to the urgency of the work that we need to do to rethink the premises and practices of our disciplines and departments, and in our everyday lives. Foregrounding issues of racism, EREN are organising a series of 90-minute book discussion.

Each session will focus on a chapter or book, chosen by an EREN member, that raises important questions about how to understand the racialized histories and frameworks within which we think and work. EREN is a network for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff and allies committed to creating an environment where race is celebrated, and everyone is treated fairly.

The book for the first meeting is the award-winning 'Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race' by Reni Eddo-Lodge.

"Exploring issues from eradicated black history to the political purpose of white dominance, whitewashed feminism to the inextricable link between class and race, Reni Eddo-Lodge offers a timely and essential new framework for how to see, acknowledge and counter racism."

We welcome everyone interested in expanding their thinking about issues of race to take part - those who teach, research, and work across Edinburgh University, as well as further afield. These informal sessions will begin with a short introduction to the chapter or book by the person who has proposed it, and then we will break into small virtual groups for discussion, before gathering together again to share highlights of each group’s discussion at the end. The final discussion will also be an opportunity for people to come forward with suggestions for chapters and books for future sessions.

We hope that these meetings will be interesting, challenging and welcoming spaces for collective thinking and exploration of ideas and experiences. We also hope that these meeting will encourage racial literacy and the ability to recognise, respond and counter racism in our communities.

Edinburgh's top independent book shop, Lighthouse Books, has generously offered a 10% discount to EREN book clubbers who purchase our monthly selected book from them. Just mention that you're a member of 'EREN Book Club' in-store or when ordering via email to get the discount.

https://www.lighthousebookshop.com/shop/book/why-im-no-longer-talking-to-white-people-about-race.md

We look forward to seeing you soon.

EREN Book Club Team

EREN Book Club: October