Award-winning journalist and author Symeon Brown comes to the London School of Economics for a special Black History Month discussion around his new book, The Good, the Black and the Boujee: How Black Britain Became Middle Class.
The book examines the emergence and experiences of Britain’s Black professional and middle classes and asks a provocative question: what does success really mean for Black Britons in a society where racial inequality remains deeply embedded?
From broadcasters and lawyers to actors, politicians, entrepreneurs and digital creators, Black professionals are increasingly visible across some of Britain’s most influential industries. Yet greater representation at the top has not necessarily removed the barriers faced by Black people trying to build careers, wealth and security.
Brown explores the idea of “Black excellence” and considers how race intersects with class, gender, education, employment and cultural expectations.
Drawing on contemporary Black British life, the book looks beyond simple stories of individual achievement to ask who gets access to opportunity, what people may have to sacrifice in order to succeed and whether greater visibility for a small number of Black professionals translates into meaningful change for wider communities.
Symeon Brown is the Home Affairs Correspondent at Channel 4 News and the author of Get Rich or Lie Trying, which explored influencer culture, social media and the new digital economy.
He will be joined by Aamna Mohdin, Community Affairs Correspondent at The Guardian, and Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka, Associate Professor in Film, Culture and Society.
The discussion will be chaired by Professor Coretta Phillips and will bring together perspectives on race, class, culture, inequality and contemporary Black British identity.
Taking place during Black History Month 2026, the event provides an opportunity to examine how the Black British experience has changed across generations while questioning how much progress has really been made.
The Good, the Black and the Boujee: How Black Britain Became Middle Class takes place at the London School of Economics on Tuesday 20th October 2026 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
The event can be attended in person or online.
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