Britain's first ever female Black MP tells her astonishing story of groundbreaking achievement and the political and social challenges she has faced in Parliament in candid, insightful prose.
From challenging expectations as a bright and restless child of the Windrush generation to making history as the first elected Black female MP in the UK, Diane Abbott has seen it all.
In this honest and moving memoir, Diane takes the reader through her incredible journey. She paints a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the only state-educated Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today. From increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war to advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants, Diane has long been at the forefront of cultural change in Britain.
Written with her trademark frankness and humour, A Woman Like Me - published to mark the 35th anniversary of her election to Parliament - is a candid account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary life.
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN: 9780241536414
Number of pages: 320
Weight: 520 g
Dimensions: 240 x 160 x 29 mm
This superb account of a trailblazing life reveals how her intelligence, politics, compassion and willpower have shaped her resilience and pioneering spirit - Bernardine Evaristo
Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I’m proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House - Harriet Harman
Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her – I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane - Dawn Butler MP
Diane Abbott is the original trailblazer of British politics. She has inspired me, and I suspect every Person of Colour, who has chosen to seek public office. A Woman Like Me chronicles the obstacles that have been thrown Diane’s way, throughout her life, but more importantly the strength and dignity by which she has overcome them, without ever compromising her principles, all of which is a testament to her integrity, grit and resilience - Humza Yousaf MSP
This is a hugely inspiring story of fortitude and compassionate political endeavour from one of our most beloved Black-British champions - Diana Evans
Tender, vulnerable and heartfelt - Black Ballad
History, they say, is written by the victors. But as this book and Abbott’s career show, history, as written by the underdogs, can be powerfully inspiring - The Guardian
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