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Black Literature Champion Crowned Reading Hero
25 Mar
Summary
- Selina Brown founded Europe's largest Black literature celebration.
- Brown champions inclusive stories in UK primary schools.
- Queen Camilla unveiled the new National Reading Hero award.
Selina Brown, the visionary behind Europe's largest celebration of Black literature, has been honored as the inaugural National Reading Hero. This prestigious award is part of the Queen's Reading Room medal, a new initiative launched by Queen Camilla to recognize individuals who champion books and storytelling across the United Kingdom.
Brown founded the Black British book festival in 2021, driven by a passion for showcasing Black British stories. Her Reading for Smiles program has successfully introduced inclusive books into primary schools in areas facing low literacy rates, alongside the establishment of two community libraries. This recognition celebrates her profound impact on literature and community development.
Liz Waterland was also honored as a Local Reading Hero for her extensive volunteer work at Deepings Community Library in Lincolnshire. Her efforts included a successful petition to save the library from closure. Both Brown and Waterland were selected from hundreds of nominations by a distinguished judging panel.
