Explore the relationship between Black Britain, Nelson Mandela and the international struggle against apartheid at this special book launch at Dalston CLR James Library.
Black Britain & Nelson Mandela: Pulling the Branch of a Tree brings together essays examining Mandela’s influence on Black intellectual thought, race and social justice in Britain, while looking beyond the familiar international image of one of the twentieth century’s most recognised political figures.
The event is led by the book’s editor, Dr Elizabeth Williams, an academic librarian and independent historian whose research has examined race, Britain, South Africa and the history of anti-apartheid solidarity.
Williams is also the author of The Politics of Race in Britain and South Africa: Black British Solidarity and the Anti-Apartheid Struggle, a study of the connections between Black communities in Britain and campaigns against apartheid.
She will be joined by contributors Nadia Joseph and Dr Sireita Mullings.
Nadia Joseph comes from a family closely connected with South Africa’s liberation struggle and has worked with the Anti-Apartheid Movement in London. Her work has included campaigning around social justice and helping to preserve the experiences of earlier generations involved in the struggle.
Dr Sireita Mullings is an academic, visual sociologist, artist and community arts practitioner whose work explores culture, representation, identity and society.
Together, the speakers will consider how Black communities in Britain engaged with Mandela, apartheid and the liberation movements of southern Africa, while examining how those histories continue to shape conversations about race, solidarity and justice today.
The setting at Dalston CLR James Library provides a fitting space for a discussion concerned with preserving and understanding Black political and community histories.
The book launch takes place on Saturday 12th September 2026 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm.
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